Major recent changes to Canadian immigration

Alex Stojicevic
MKS Immigration lawyers, Vancouver, British Columbia
alex@vancouverlaw.ca

The landscape of Canadian immigration has undergone substantial changes since 2024, affecting various immigration streams and programmes. These changes are part of Canada’s efforts to manage population growth and regain control – what is the government is calling ‘ensuring the sustainability of its immigration system’.

Canada experienced unprecedented population increases in 2023 and 2024, which, put simply, panicked the government. This was trending as one of the major concerns in Ottawa until President Trump’s election.

Reduction in immigration levels

In October 2024, the Government of Canada announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which includes a reduction in the number of permanent residents and temporary residents allowed into the country. The plan aims to pause population growth in the short term to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth later on. The new targets are as follows:

• 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, down from the previous target of 500,000;
• 380,000 permanent residents in 2026; and
• 365,000 permanent residents in 2027.

Additionally, the plan supports efforts to reduce temporary resident volumes to five per cent of Canada’s population by the end of 2026. This includes a cap on international students and tightened eligibility requirements for temporary foreign workers.

Changes to the international student programme

One of the most notable changes is the reduction in the number of international students allowed to enter Canada. From 2025, there will be a ten per cent cut in the number of international students, primarily affecting those enrolling in certificate and post-graduate programmes. This change aims to alleviate pressures on housing, infrastructure, and social services while maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.

This reduction in student numbers was in addition to other cuts which had already taken effect in 2024, leaving student numbers closer to their 2018/2019 levels. Many schools have laid off staff and cut programmes as a result

Temporary Foreign Worker Program adjustments

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has also seen stricter eligibility requirements and the closure of certain pathways. These changes are designed to align with the evolving needs of the labour market, ensuring that temporary foreign workers are effectively integrated into the Canadian economy.

New regional programmes and immigration pathways

In response to regional labour market demands, Canada has introduced new regional programmes and immigration pathways. These aim to attract immigrants to areas with specific labour shortages and to stimulate economic growth in those regions.

Enhancements to the Express Entry System

The Express Entry system has been updated to include category-based draws, allowing for more targeted selection of candidates based on specific skills and qualifications. This change is intended to better align immigration with the needs of employers and the labour market.

Provincial Nominee Program updates

Provinces have also updated their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to reflect the new federal immigration targets and address regional labour market needs. These updates include new guidelines and increased admissions spaces for certain categories of immigrants, but massive cuts in others.

For example, the Province of British Columbia’s quota has been halved from 8,000 applicants/nominees to only 4,000.

Impact on spousal work permits

New limitations have been introduced on spousal work permits, affecting the ability of spouses of temporary foreign workers to work in Canada.

Conclusion

The changes to Canadian immigration regulations from 2024 reflect the government’s determination to undue much of what was allowed to happen in 2022/2023 and attempt to balance managing population growth, while addressing labour market needs. This tightrope will continue to have a profound effect on the millions of people in Canada aspiring to permanent residence. These changes will have significant impacts on various immigration streams and programmes, and it is essential for immigration practitioners to keep up-to-date with these latest developments.