Many people think Canada has opened its doors. The truth is different: It opened for a few, and closed for many.
OTTAWA, Canada — Every year, thousands of Africans dream of going to Canada. They hear it is a country of opportunity, good healthcare, good schools, and a good life.
But in 2026, the question many people are asking is the same: Has Canada made it easier to go there?
The answer is: No, not for everyone. It made it easier for a few people with special skills, but harder for many others.
VISITOR VISA: STILL DIFFICULT
For a Kenyan or Rwandan who wants to visit Canada, there is no eTA. You must apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV).
The cost is CAD $100, plus $85 for biometrics. The waiting time is about 125 days — 4 months.
And since 2024, a 10-year visa is no longer automatic. The officer decides whether to give you a single entry or multiple entry visa, and how long you can stay.
You also have no right to work on a visitor visa.
CANADA CUT TEMPORARY ARRIVALS
In its 2026-2028 plan, Canada said it will admit 380,000 permanent residents every year. That number stays the same.
But temporary arrivals — students and workers — have been cut sharply:
– Temporary workers: from 367,750 down to 230,000
– Students: from 305,900 down to 155,000 — a drop of 49%
Canada’s goal is to reduce temporary residents to less than 5% of the total population by the end of 2027.
WHERE IT BECAME EASIER: SKILLED WORKERS
From 3 November 2026, Canada changed the Express Entry system.
Now, if you have a job that pays well — about $55 per hour — you get more points. And an LMIA is no longer required to get points for a job offer in Express Entry.
This helps mostly nurses, doctors, engineers, and tech workers.
Canada also made it easier for:
1. Super Visa: Parents of Canadian citizens can now show income from either of the last 2 years, instead of just 1 year. The Super Visa allows a parent to stay 5 years in Canada on one visit.
2. Master’s and PhD Students: They no longer need a Provincial Attestation Letter. PhD students can get a permit in as little as 2 weeks.
3. French Speakers: Canada wants 10.5% of admissions in 2028 to be French speakers outside Quebec.
WHERE IT BECAME HARDER: LOW-WAGE JOBS AND MANY STUDENTS
From 9 October 2026 to 7 January 2027, Canada stopped processing LMIA applications in 30 cities where unemployment is above 6%, for low-wage jobs.
Except for agriculture, construction, hospitals, and a few other sectors, it is very hard to get a low-wage job in Canada right now.
For students, to study outside Quebec, you must show CAD $23,448 — about 2.2 million Kenyan shillings — for living costs for 1 year, not including tuition.
The Start-Up Visa was also closed to new applicants.
THE 4 MAIN WAYS TO GO TO CANADA
1. Visitor Visa — visiting, 6 months, $100
2. Study Permit — $150 + proof of funds + admission
3. Work Permit — $155 + job offer + LMIA
4. Express Entry / PNP — permanent residence, if you have skills, work experience, good IELTS, and French is a big plus
CONCLUSION
Canada did not open its doors to everyone.
It opened for:
– People with skills Canada needs
– People with high-paying jobs
– French speakers
It closed for:
– People looking for low-wage jobs without a job offer
– Many students who cannot show enough funds
If you want to go to Canada in 2026, you should not only ask, “How much is the visa?” You should ask: “What does Canada need from me?”
Because in 2026, Canada is not looking for many people. It is looking for the people it needs.
East African Report / Sweden Office
