IRCC Updates: Super Visa Income Changes, Passport Fee Hike, and Settlement Eligibility
March 2026 brought several IRCC policy changes outside the Express Entry system. Three are worth knowing about: updated Super Visa income requirements, a passport fee increase, and revised settlement service eligibility for economic immigrants.
Super Visa income requirements updated (March 20)
IRCC has changed how income is calculated for the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, but sponsors must demonstrate they meet a minimum income threshold.
The updated calculation adjusts how sponsor income is assessed. While IRCC has not published the full details of the formula change at the time of writing, Super Visa income requirements are tied to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) and vary by family size.
The Super Visa is not a path to permanent residence. It's a long-duration visitor visa. For permanent residence, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a separate stream with its own intake process and processing times.
If you're sponsoring a parent or grandparent for a Super Visa, check the updated income requirements before submitting your application.
Passport and travel document fees increasing (March 3)
IRCC announced that passport and travel document fees will increase. This affects new applications, renewals, and replacement documents.
Passport fees are reviewed periodically and adjusted based on cost recovery. The last major increase was in 2024. The exact new fee amounts vary by document type (adult 10-year, child 5-year, emergency travel document, etc.).
If you need to renew your passport soon, submitting before the new fees take effect will save you the difference. Check IRCC's passport fees page for current pricing and effective dates.
Settlement service eligibility changes for economic immigrants (March 10)
IRCC has adjusted who qualifies for government-funded settlement services among economic class immigrants. Settlement services include language training, employment assistance, community orientation, and other supports available through IRCC-funded service providers across Canada.
The change modifies eligibility criteria for economic immigrants accessing these services. Settlement services are free for eligible newcomers and are delivered through a network of community organizations across the country.
If you're a recent economic immigrant (Express Entry, PNP, or other economic streams), check whether the changes affect your access to:
- Language training (LINC and CLIC programs)
- Employment services (resume help, job search support, credential recognition)
- Community connections (mentorship, orientation sessions)
Contact your local settlement service provider to confirm your eligibility under the updated criteria.
Other March notices
Two additional items from IRCC this month:
- College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) board appointments (March 9): New board members appointed. This affects the regulatory body that oversees immigration consultants, not applicants directly.
- Temporary special measures for Iranian nationals extended (March 4): Canada has extended temporary protections for Iranian nationals currently in the country.
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