IRCC issued 4,000 ITAs in the 400th Express Entry draw. Canada updates passport fees for the first time since 2013, and PEI raises minimum wage to $17
Strategic Milestones: Express Entry Reaches Round 400 and Canada Updates Vital Service Fees
As of March 5, 2026, the Canadian immigration and administrative landscape is marking significant milestones. From the 400th draw in Express Entry history to the first passport fee adjustment in over a decade, the focus remains on system stability and enhancing service accountability for all Canadians and residents.
Express Entry Draw #400: 4,000 CEC Candidates Invited
On March 3, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a landmark invitation round. Draw #400 targeted the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), continuing the federal priority of transitioning in-country talent to permanent residency.
Draw Highlights:
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Invitations Issued (ITAs): 4,000
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CRS Cut-off Score: 508 points (holding steady from the previous CEC draw).
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Tie-breaking Rule: June 24, 2025, at 22:35:48 UTC.
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2026 Total: Canada has now issued 39,112 Express Entry invitations this year, with 24,000 ITAs specifically for CEC candidates.
Canada Adjusts Passport Fees and Launches Service Guarantee
For the first time since 2013, the Government of Canada is adjusting passport and travel document fees. Effective March 31, 2026, modest increases will take effect to account for rising operational costs.
New Fee Structure (Starting March 31):
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10-Year Adult Passport: $163.50 (+$3.50 increase).
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5-Year Adult Passport: $122.50 (+$2.50 increase).
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Child Passport: $58.50 (+$1.50 increase).
New Accountability Measure: Beginning April 1, 2026, the government will introduce a 30-business-day processing guarantee. If a complete application exceeds this timeline, the applicant will receive an automatic refund, ensuring greater predictability and accountability.
Saskatchewan: Tuition Relief for Ukrainian Students Until 2030
Saskatchewan remains the only Canadian province to provide specialized financial stability for Ukrainian students. The government announced the extension of domestic tuition rates for students under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).
Extension Details:
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Deadline: Tuition relief is now guaranteed until March 2030.
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Impact: Displaced Ukrainian students will continue to pay domestic rates rather than international fees, allowing them to complete their degrees without financial hardship.
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Review: A final assessment of the program’s necessity is scheduled for 2029.
PEI Minimum Wage to Hit $17.00
Workers on Prince Edward Island are set for a wage boost. Effective April 1, 2026, the provincial minimum wage will rise from $16.50 to **$17.00 per hour**.
This adjustment also clarifies deduction standards:
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Combined Board & Lodging: Maximum deduction capped at $61.60 per week.
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Single Meals: Capped at $4.25 per meal.
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Rule: Employers must ensure that the net hourly rate after any deductions does not fall below the $17.00 minimum.
Why Choose Go Canada Services?
Go Canada Services (est. 2004) is the only Canadian Incorporation providing holistic Academic, Immigration, Integration, and Legal Services. We help you navigate the 400th round of Express Entry and leverage regional policies for long-term success.
Our Core Services:
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Permanent Residence Canada: Strategic advice for CEC candidates and PR transition pathways.
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Study Permits: Assisting Ukrainian students in utilizing the Saskatchewan tuition relief program.
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Family Sponsorship: Expert legal help for reuniting families under the newest 2026 guidelines.
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Free Immigration Assessment: Evaluate your CRS score for upcoming CEC draws.
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Contact Our Experts: Personalized consultation for passport applications and provincial work permits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What was the CRS score for Express Entry Draw #400? The cut-off score was 508 points, targeting candidates in the Canadian Experience Class.
2. When do the new Canadian passport fees take effect? The new fees will be implemented on March 31, 2026.
3. What is the new refund policy for Canadian passports? Starting April 1, 2026, if a complete passport application takes longer than 30 business days to process, the applicant is entitled to an automatic refund.
4. Can Ukrainian students still pay domestic tuition in Saskatchewan? Yes, the provincial government has extended domestic tuition rates for CUAET students until March 2030.
5. What will be the new minimum wage in PEI for 2026? The minimum wage in Prince Edward Island will rise to $17.00 per hour on April 1, 2026.
6. How many CEC candidates have been invited in 2026 so far? As of March 3, 2026, IRCC has issued 24,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) specifically to CEC candidates.
7. How can I ensure my Express Entry profile is ready for a CEC draw? You must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada and meet the language requirements. You should Contact Our Experts to optimize your profile and ensure all documentation is “decision-ready.”
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Secure Your Status Before Policies Change
With the government actively reducing temporary residents but inviting those already here (CEC), your strategy matters more than ever. Let Go Canada Services help you secure your Permanent Residence.