--- title: Changes to underwriting guidelines for newcomers description: Effective March 16, 2026, we will be introducing changes to underwriting guidelines for newcomers for all insurance applications.   image: https://iaconnected.ia.ca/hubfs/Individuel/instant-iA/2025/OG_PROJ-19-6_Hero_INSTANT_IA_EN.jpg --- [![iA-EN](https://iaconnected.ia.ca/hubfs/iAAH/Common/Logos/iA-EN.svg "iA-EN")](https://iaconnected.ia.ca/) [FR](https://linstantia.ia.ca/changements-aux-directives-dimmigration-en-vigueur-le-16-mars-2026/tag/assurance) # iA CONNECTED Your ongoing source of information. ![Hero\_image\_seul\_Dskp](https://iaconnected.ia.ca/hubfs/Individuel/instant-iA/2025/Hero_image_seul_Dskp.jpg) ![Hero\_Instant\_iA\_Modifie\_dsktp](https://iaconnected.ia.ca/hubfs/Individuel/instant-iA/2025/Hero_Instant_iA_Modifie_dsktp.jpg) [Home](https://iaconnected.ia.ca/) ### Changes to underwriting guidelines for newcomers March 4, 2026 Share with your colleagues | [![iA Groupe financier - Facebook](https://iaconnected.ia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo-reseaux-sociaux/ico-fb.png?width=31&name=ico-fb.png)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://iaconnected.ia.ca/changes-to-immigration-guidelines-effective-march-16-2026/tags/insurance) [![iA Groupe financier - Linkedin](https://iaconnected.ia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo-reseaux-sociaux/ico-in.png?width=39&name=ico-in.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://iaconnected.ia.ca/changes-to-immigration-guidelines-effective-march-16-2026/tags/insurance) [mailto:?subject=[Shared%20article]%20Changes%20to%20underwriting%20guidelines%20for%20newcomers&body=I%20recommend%20that%20you%20read%20the%20article%20'Changes%20to%20underwriting%20guidelines%20for%20newcomers'%20on%20iA%20CONNECTED:%20https://iaconnected.ia.ca/changes-to-immigration-guidelines-effective-march-16-2026/tags/insurance](mailto:?subject=[Shared%20article]%20Changes%20to%20underwriting%20guidelines%20for%20newcomers&body=I%20recommend%20that%20you%20read%20the%20article%20'Changes%20to%20underwriting%20guidelines%20for%20newcomers'%20on%20iA%20CONNECTED:%20https://iaconnected.ia.ca/changes-to-immigration-guidelines-effective-march-16-2026/tags/insurance) Changes to underwriting guidelines for newcomers 1:47 Effective March 16, 2026, we will be introducing changes to underwriting guidelines for newcomers for all insurance applications.   These enhancements will result in:  - Greater transparency upfront - Fewer follow-ups during the underwriting  process - Better alignment between eligibility and coverage **Main changes** 1\. Clearer questions in applications   Applications (paper and electronic) will now include more structured questions regarding:    - Place of birth and date of arrival in Canada - Legal status, permit type, and expiry date - Permanent residency (PR) intentions for individuals who have been in Canada for more than 24 months - Income earned in Canada - Refugee or asylum application status 2\. Increased eligibility for life insurance  Eligibility is being expanded for certain profiles: - Students (study permits): up to $500,000 - Post-graduate work permits holders: up to $1,000,000 with a job offer - Certain specialized professionals: may qualify for higher amounts depending on the profession. 3\. Face amounts Face amounts will be better aligned with time spent in Canada, income level, and long-term residency intentions. 4\. Medical evidence Certain medical requirements may be adjusted to consider access to healthcare in Canada. **5. Focus on long-term Canadian residents** - Visitors, tourists, and refugee claimants will no longer be eligible - PR application status will be validated for clients who have been in Canada for more than 24 months. **What remains unchanged** Support will continue to be available for newcomers with a stable long-term profile, with flexible review terms depending on their situation. 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