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March came with good tidings, immigration wise. From some loosening of the income requirements for super visas to a historic draw for senior managers, to signs that we’ve got big Express Entry changes coming.

~Here’s what you need to know~

Tl;dr: Starting March 31, 2026, IRCC is changing how it calculates income for super visa eligibility. Hosts will now have two alternative ways to meet the income requirement: income from either of the two most recent tax years (previously only the most recent year was assessed), or, the flexibility to add the visiting parent or grandparent’s income (provided the host meets a certain minimum percentage requirement).

Who it affects: Parents and grandparents of Canadian permanent residents and citizens who want to visit Canada for extended periods, particularly those whose host child or grandchild previously fell short of the income threshold.

Why it matters: Since the Parent and Grandparent (PGP) sponsorship program has been closed to new expressions of interest since 2020, the super visa remains the most viable option for longer family visits. And more flexibility with the income calculation means more families can now qualify.

What's next: The new rules apply to all super visa applications, including those already in processing, starting March 31. If you were previously rejected or did not apply due to the income requirement, it may be worth reassessing your eligibility.

Tl;dr: IRCC's 2026-27 Departmental Plan confirmed that changes to the Express Entry system are coming. Three Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points changes are on the horizon: reinstating points for job offers (these were removed in March 2025 due to fraud concerns), additional points for Canadian work experience in high-wage occupations, and a way to reward candidates who hold certifications in regulated occupations (like medicine, nursing, and trades). No implementation timeline has been announced.

Who it affects: All Express Entry candidates, but particularly those with job offers, those working in high-wage occupations in Canada, and internationally trained professionals working toward licensure in regulated fields.

Why it matters: IRCC wants to prioritize people who can enter the labour market quickly (or those already in it). These proposed changes will reward people who can contribute to the economy faster, including those in regulated occupations where labour shortages exist.

What's next: IRCC hasn’t released any details on how these changes will be structured or when they will be implemented. It’s worth keeping an eye out for more announcements. If you’re planning to enter the Express Entry pool soon, securing a job offer or getting licensed (if you’re in a regulated occupation) could give you an advantage. 

Tl;dr: March 5 saw the first-ever Express Entry draw under the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category, with 250 ITAs issued at a CRS cut-off of 429. French-language candidates also had a strong month, with two draws totalling 9,500 invitations at cut-offs below the 400 mark.

Who it affects: The senior manager category is open to executives who lead organizations or large departments across industries and have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in the last three years. If you’re in the pool as a French-speaker, you have better odds than most with significantly lower cut-offs than general draws.

Why it matters: Senior managers have struggled to compete in the Express Entry pool since job offer points were removed in 2025. These candidates are typically older and points for age start declining after 30. A dedicated draw at 429 changes things considerably. More than half the ITAs issued so far this month have been for French, reiterating IRCC’s focus on building Francophone communities outside Quebec.

What's next: IRCC is likely to conduct draws for some of the other new categories soon, including researchers with Canadian experience and specialized military personnel. If you are a French-speaker, or have qualifying Canadian experience for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or any of the categories, make sure your Express Entry profile is up to date.