In 2025, Canada's immigration system will see some of the biggest changes in a long time. These changes have an impact on almost everything, such as permanent residence, temporary permits, study programs, and more. If you are a foreign national who wants to move to Canada or is already living there, you should know about these changes so you may plan your immigration journey better.
2025 - 2027 Immigration Levels Plan
Canada’s immigration targets have shifted gears. In a major change, IRCC reduced its permanent resident (PR) targets and introduced caps for temporary resident (TR) admissions.
Reduction in PR Admissions
The focus has changed a little from getting more PR admissions to controlling the people that are already in Canada. The goal is to give more weight to those who are already working or studying in the country.
Temporary Resident Targets Introduced
IRCC set defined goals for temporary residents for the first time. This includes workers, students, and other types of temporary residents, which makes it easier to manage Canada's expanding number of temporary residents.
Focus on In-Canada Applicants
It's important to realise that more than 40% of all PR admissions for 2025 will be people who already live in Canada.
Changes to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Federal Reductions in PNP Quotas
The federal government has cut PNP funding in half for 2025. This abrupt drop has regions rushing to catch up.
Provincial Responses and New EOI Systems
Newfoundland and Labrador and Yukon, for example, set up new Expression of Interest (EOI) processes. Instead of applying directly, some methods ask applicants to send their profiles.
Narrowed Eligibility
Many provinces have limited the kind of jobs that are eligible. Exclusions are common in areas with low demand, but healthcare and construction are still top priorities.
New Permanent Residency Pathways
Rural and Francophone Pilots
Two major community-based pathways launched:
• RCIP: Targets rural areas facing labor shortages.
• FCIP: Aims to increase French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec.
Home Care Worker Pilots
Two streams for home care workers were introduced, but they filled their application caps on day one:
• Child Care
• Home Support
Agri-Food Pilot Closed
After being extended in 2023, this pilot closed permanently in early 2025 due to reaching its application limit.
Express Entry System Modifications
Removal of Arranged Employment Points
From March 2025, applicants will no longer get CRS points for arranged employment, removing a major advantage for job-offer holders.
Category-Based Selection Updated
A new "Education" category was added, while "Transportation" was removed. Several changes were made to other categories:
• STEM lost 19 occupations.
• Trades gained 19 occupations.
2025 Priority Categories
Three categories are emphasized:
• French-language proficiency
• Trade occupations
• Healthcare and social services
Political Influence and Immigration Direction
New Prime Minister and Policy Shift
Mark Carney became Canada’s 24th Prime Minister and has focused on managing immigration to align with economic realities. His goals:
• Cap immigration to pre-COVID levels
• Focus on in-Canada TRs for PR
• Reduce foreign worker dependency
Ministerial Changes
Two new immigration ministers have already taken office this year, indicating frequent adjustments in policy execution.
Temporary Public Policy Extensions
Work Permits for PNP Nominees
Open work permits for PNP candidates were extended until the end of 2025.
Extensions for Ukrainians and Iranians
Special immigration support remains in place for nationals from Ukraine and Iran.
Changing Employers While on Closed Work Permits
Foreign workers can now change jobs under certain conditions without waiting for a new permit, a more flexible approach post-COVID.
International Experience Canada (IEC) Updates
Eligible IEC applicants can now receive their work permits within Canada instead of leaving and re-entering.
Judicial Review Deadlines Extended
Applicants now have 75 days to file for judicial review, giving them more time to respond to unfavorable immigration decisions.
Study Permit Caps and Regulations
Application Cap Introduced
Only 550,162 study permits will be considered in 2025, with an approval limit of 437,000, both down from 2024.
PAL Requirement for Master's & PhD Students
Previously exempt, these students must now obtain a PAL for study permit applications.
PGWP Field of Study Adjustments
The list of PGWP-eligible programs was revised,
119 added and 178 removed.
Spousal OWP Tightened
Only spouses of students in specific graduate programs or professionals can apply for an open work permit.
Transferring Schools Requires a New Study Permit
As of May 2025, international students must apply for a new permit before switching schools.
Expanded Super Visa Insurance Options
Applicants can now choose from a wider range of insurance providers, including those outside Canada.
Temporary Resident Trends
Canada’s temporary resident population growth has slowed. The federal government plans to reduce this population to 5% by 2026.
Construction Apprentices Exempt from Study Permit
Eligible foreign nationals in construction trades no longer need a study permit for apprenticeship programs.
Permanent Residency for Construction Workers
Up to 14,000 new PR spots will be opened for construction workers to address Canada’s housing crisis.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Cap Raised
After a policy reversal, Canada will now accept 25,000 PGP sponsorship applications in 2025.
Maintained Status Policy Revised
Applicants on maintained status who submit a second temporary residence application after a refusal won’t receive continued legal status unless eligible for restoration.
Citizenship by Descent: Bill C-3
A new bill may grant citizenship to more children born abroad to Canadian parents, reversing the first-generation limit.
Asylum Reforms: Bill C-2
Proposed legislation may make certain asylum seekers ineligible if they delay filing claims or cross into Canada irregularly.
Quebec’s Immigration Roadmap
Quebec plans to limit temporary foreign workers in Montreal, lower PR intake, and make further reforms by 2026. The province exercises unique control over its immigration system.
Conclusion
Canadian immigration system in 2025 reflects a shift towards more controlled and strategic admissions. With new pilots, stricter caps, and changes across almost every major stream, understanding these updates is vital for anyone planning to immigrate or stay in Canada. The government’s focus is clear: stabilize immigration, prioritize in-Canada applicants, and tailor programs to fill specific labor market gaps.
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