Know The Law

Legal Library Category

Immigration Law

Immigration Law holds federal immigration, citizenship and refugee-protection statutes. Applications are filed on Government of Canada channels, not on this site.

How to find the right official text is in the Immigration learning pages.

53Legal references
53Official sources tracked
2Jurisdictions

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Key official references

Immigration and Refugee Protection ActCanadaFebruary 17, 2026

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Recently added in this area

Order Designating the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, who is a federal minister, to be the Minister referred to in that ActOctober 30, 2026 Convention Refugee Determination Division RulesOctober 30, 2026 Citizenship ActOctober 23, 2026 Order Extending the Application of Section 14 of the Citizenship ActOctober 20, 2026 Order Setting Out the Respective Responsibilities of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Under the ActOctober 18, 2026 Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders ActOctober 16, 2026 Oath or Solemn Affirmation of Office Rules (Immigration and Refugee Board)October 15, 2026 Adjudication Division RulesOctober 12, 2026 Adjudication Division RulesOctober 12, 2026 College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants ActOctober 11, 2026 Order Extending the Application of Section 14 of that Act for a Period of Five YearsOctober 6, 2026 GeneralSeptember 26, 2026

Primary law & references

Legislation, rules & legal resources

53 items

Acts and primary rules

ActOfficial source tracked

Citizenship Act

CitationR.S.C., 1985, c. C-29 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Current legal reference synchronized from Justice Laws — Federal Acts.

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Regulations and other instruments

RuleOfficial source tracked

Adjudication Division Rules

CitationSOR/93-47 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

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RuleOfficial source tracked

Adjudication Division Rules

CitationSOR/93-47 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

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RuleOfficial source tracked

Immigration Division Rules

CitationSOR/2002-229 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

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RuleOfficial source tracked

Refugee Appeal Division Rules

CitationSOR/2012-257 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

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OrderOfficial source tracked

Order Transferring the Control and Supervision of Certain Portions of the Federal Public Administration in Passport Canada from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to the Department of Citizenship and Immigration and to the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development

CitationSI/2013-56 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-09-30

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OrderOfficial source tracked

Order Transferring to the Department of Citizenship and Immigration the Control and Supervision of Certain Portions within the Canada Border Services Agency and Transferring from the Deputy Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Certain Powers, Duties and Functions

CitationSI/2004-135 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-09-30

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OrderOfficial source tracked

Order Transferring to the Department of Communications the Control and Supervision of Certain Portions of the Public Service and to the Minister of Communications Certain Powers, Duties and Functions of the Secretary of State of Canada and of the Minister of Multiculturalism and Citizenship and Amalgamating and Combining the Departments of Communications and Multiculturalism and Citizenship under the Minister of Communications

CitationSI/93-202 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-09-30

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OrderOfficial source tracked

Order Transferring to the Minister of Communications and to the Minister of Multiculturalism and Citizenship Certain Powers, Duties and Functions of the Secretary of State of Canada and De-amalgamating the Departments of the Secretary of State of Canada, Multiculturalism and Citizenship and Communications

CitationSI/93-200 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-09-30

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OrderOfficial source tracked

Order Transferring to the Secretary of State of Canada Certain Powers, Duties and Functions of the Ministers of Employment and Immigration, the Solicitor General of Canada and Multiculturalism and Citizenship Relating to Immigration and Citizenship and to the Department of the Secretary of State of Canada the Control and Supervision of Certain Portions of the Public Service Relating Thereto

CitationSI/93-201 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-09-30

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

Citizenship Regulations

CitationSOR/93-246 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

Citizenship Regulations, No. 2

CitationSOR/2015-124 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

General

CitationO. Reg. 422/17 JurisdictionOntario Government text current to2026-10-29

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

CitationSOR/2002-227 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (SOR/2002-227) Regulations are current to 2026-01-19 and last amended on 2025-11-25. Previous Versions Table of Contents Immigration and Refug…

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RegulationOfficial source tracked

Immigration Guidelines

CitationSI/80-125 JurisdictionCanada Government text current to2026-10-19

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About this area

Understanding Immigration Law

Understanding Canada's Immigration System

Immigration is a shared jurisdiction between the Federal government and the provinces. While the Federal government (IRCC) sets the overall levels and rules, provinces like Ontario have their own specific "nomination" programs to meet local labor needs. At KnowTheLaw.ca, we provide the legislative context for the most common ways to live, work, and study in Canada.

Key Federal Legislation

  • Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA): The primary law governing immigration into Canada. it sets out the rules for who can enter, who must leave, and who is "inadmissible" due to criminal or security concerns.
  • Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR): These are the specific "fine-print" rules that detail how the IRPA is applied to everything from work permits to permanent residency.

Major Immigration Pathways (2026 Update)

In 2026, Canada continues to prioritize economic outcomes and regional needs through several key programs:

  • Express Entry: The fastest system for skilled workers. It manages three federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and the Canadian Experience Class.
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Allows Ontario and other provinces to "nominate" individuals who have the skills needed in the local economy.
  • Family Sponsorship: Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, partners, children, and parents.
  • International Student Program: While subject to new 2026 caps and attestation requirements, this remains a primary pathway for those seeking to transition from study to work to permanent residence.

The Role of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)

The IRB is Canada’s largest independent administrative tribunal. It is responsible for making well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters, including:

  • Refugee Protection: Deciding if a person is a Convention Refugee or in need of protection.
  • Admissibility Hearings: Determining if a person should be allowed to enter or remain in Canada.
  • Detention Reviews: Reviewing the reasons why a person is being held by the CBSA.
  • Immigration Appeals: Hearing appeals regarding family sponsorship refusals or residency obligations.

Important Legal Disclaimer

KnowTheLaw.ca is a research and information repository only. The materials provided on this Immigration page are for educational and research purposes.

Immigration laws and "draw scores" change frequently. We do not provide legal advice, legal opinions, or legal analysis. Accessing this site does not create a paralegal-client or solicitor-client relationship. In Ontario, while licensed paralegals can represent you at IRB hearings, other immigration services may require a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer. We strongly recommend consulting a licensed professional for your specific application.