Federal and Provincial Immigration Ministers Meet: What Changes to Citizenship and Immigration Policy Mean for You
Key impact: The way Canada selects immigrants and grants citizenship could change soon. This may affect how fast you can sponsor a family member, which immigrants are prioritized in your province, and how quickly permanent residents can become citizens.
On June 23, 2026, Federal Immigration Minister Lena Diab and Newfoundland's provincial minister Lin Paddock held a news conference after the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) meeting. They discussed two major topics: potential changes to Bill C-3 (which amends the Citizenship Act) and giving provinces more control over selecting immigrants.
What is changing?
Bill C-3 and citizenship rules This bill aims to amend the Citizenship Act. While details are still being finalized, it could change how long permanent residents must wait before applying for citizenship. Currently, you need to be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) in the five years before applying. Bill C-3 may adjust this requirement.
More provincial control over immigration Ministers discussed "decentralizing" immigration policy. This means provinces like Newfoundland could have more say in which immigrants are selected. Instead of the federal government setting all the rules, provinces could tailor immigration to their specific labor needs.
Who is affected?
- Permanent residents planning to apply for citizenship – You may face different eligibility rules or processing times depending on how Bill C-3 is finalized.
- Canadians sponsoring family members – Family reunification timelines could speed up or slow down based on new rules.
- Employers and businesses – If provinces get more control, they may create new immigration streams targeting specific sectors like healthcare, technology, or trades.
- Newcomers in smaller provinces – Newfoundland and other provinces could prioritize immigrants who fill local labor gaps, potentially creating more job opportunities.
What you should do
If you are a permanent resident:
- Monitor updates on Bill C-3. Check the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website regularly.
- Do not rush to apply for citizenship until the new rules are clear. Applying now could mean your file is processed under old rules, but changes could still affect your application mid-process.
If you are sponsoring a family member:
- Keep your documents ready but wait for official announcements before submitting new applications.
- Check current processing times on the IRCC website. They may change once new rules take effect.
If you are an employer or community member:
- Watch for provincial announcements about new immigration streams. For example, Newfoundland may launch programs targeting healthcare workers or skilled trades.
- Contact your provincial nominee program (PNP) office to ask about upcoming changes.
For everyone:
- No immediate action is required. Stay informed by following official government news releases.
- Avoid relying on social media rumors. Only trust updates from IRCC or your provincial immigration ministry.
Bottom line
Canada's immigration system is shifting toward more provincial control, and citizenship rules may change under Bill C-3. For now, no one needs to act urgently. But if you are a permanent resident, a family sponsor, or an employer, keep an eye on official announcements. These changes could affect how fast you can become a citizen, who gets priority for immigration, and what opportunities are available in your community. Stay informed, and be ready to adapt when the new rules are finalized.