Canada Announces New Immigration Regulations for 2025
Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration Minister, has introduced notable amendments to the country’s immigration policies, which could significantly impact many workers, prompting some to depart Canada. According to Minister Miller, 5 million workers are anticipated to exit Canada by December 2025. Many will leave voluntarily, but the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) will prioritize enforcing immigration laws against those who overstay.
Here is a summary of the recent changes in immigration policy that could affect your pathway to Canada:
Reduced Permanent Resident Quotas
In response to managing the burgeoning population, the goal for new permanent residents has been reduced from 500,000 to 395,000 by 2025, reflecting a 21% decrease.
- Under the new 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, the population is forecasted to decline slightly by 0.2% in 2025 and 2026, followed by an increase of 0.8% in 2027. This strategy aims to enhance housing affordability and lower unemployment rates.
- For 2026, the target has been decreased from the 500,000 figure outlined in the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan to 380,000. In 2027, the target is set to further reduce to 365,000 permanent residents.
Reduction in Temporary Resident Numbers
PL Immigration reports that the number of temporary residents in Canada is set to be decreased to 5% of the population by 2026. This marks the first reduction goal set for temporary residents in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan.
There is an anticipated reduction of 445,901 temporary foreign workers and international students by 2025, followed by a further dip of 445,662 in 2026, with a minor increase projected in 2027 by 17,439.
In alignment with Canada’s evolving needs, the government aims for these changes to relieve strain on housing, infrastructure, and social services, ultimately securing sustainable economic and social growth through immigration strategies.
Opportunities for Current Residents in Canada
An emphasis is placed on converting temporary residents already in Canada into permanent residents. This is advantageous for those currently residing in Canada, as the immigration strategy gives priority to in-Canada applicants and introduces pathways for them. A newly introduced category targets the Canadian Experience Class along with other immigration programs, which concentrate on attracting needed workers.
Focus on Economic Immigration
Adjustments have been implemented in economic immigration categories, especially prioritizing the healthcare and trade sectors. The Canadian government’s strategy focuses on facilitating economic migration, with particular attention on healthcare and trades. By 2027, around 62% of all permanent resident admissions will be aimed at these essential sectors, reflecting the government’s commitment.
Introduction of Study Permit Limitations
Earlier this year, the Canadian government implemented a limit on most study permit applications. This decision comes in response to the rapid growth of international students, which has strained housing, infrastructure, and other resources. As a result, Canada’s study permits for 2024 will be limited to approximately 360,000, marking a 35% reduction compared to 2023.
It’s important to note that this cap does not affect students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees. All study permit applications to IRCC now require an endorsement letter from a province or territory as part of this new policy. Additionally, spouses of students enrolled in undergraduate or college programs will no longer qualify for an open work permit.
Revised Cost of Living Requirement for International Students
In a move to ensure that international students can thrive in Canada, the immigration minister has updated the cost of living requirement. The previous requirement, unchanged since the early 2000s, was set at $10,000 for a single applicant. This amount has become insufficient due to escalating living costs, leaving many students financially unprepared upon their arrival.
As of January 1, 2024, new study permit applicants must prove they have access to $20,635. This figure represents 75% of the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) and must be shown in addition to funds for the first year of tuition and travel expenses.
Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit: Recent Updates
PL Immigration is here to inform you about the recent changes in the eligibility requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permits in Canada. If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, and plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) on or after this date, you need to be aware of the updated language proficiency standards related to your degree program.
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD Graduates Graduates must now show English or French proficiency across all four language abilities—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—at the following minimum levels:
- CLB 7 for English
- NCLC 7 for French
Other University Programs The language proficiency levels remain the same as above (CLB/NCLC 7 in all areas).
College or Other Programs For these programs, the required language proficiency levels in all four areas are:
- CLB 5 for English
- NCLC 5 for French
Applications made on or after November 1, 2024, will adhere to more rigorous criteria. Besides meeting the new language benchmarks, some candidates must also fulfill specific field-of-study criteria.
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD Graduates Proficiency in all four language skills must be at CLB/NCLC 7. There are no field-of-study restrictions for these graduates.
Other University Programs In addition to meeting CLB/NCLC 7 language requirements, graduates must have completed a program in a field aligning with Canada’s labor market requirements.
College or Other Programs Candidates must demonstrate proficiency at CLB/NCLC 5 and graduate from a program linked to Canada’s labor market needs.
These updates are designed to ensure that international graduates possess skills that meet Canadian labor market demands while also having sufficient language proficiency. If your program is subject to field-of-study requirements, it is essential to graduate from a program identified by Canada as meeting long-term labor shortages. Eligible fields include:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trades
- Transport
Work Permits for Spouses
In contrast to previous regulations, eligibility for open work permits for spouses has become more selective. Currently, only spouses of foreign workers employed in specific sectors such as management, professional fields, or industries with labor shortages qualify for open work permits.
When it comes to international students, the criteria are even more specific. Spouses can obtain an open work permit only if the student is pursuing a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree.
The government’s efforts to streamline spousal work permits have been aimed at addressing critical labor shortages in essential sectors like healthcare, engineering, and IT. If the foreign worker does not work within these designated fields, it is unlikely their spouse will be eligible for an open work permit.
High-Wage Stream Changes
Significant amendments have been introduced to the high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to better reflect the current labor market conditions in Canada. As announced, there is now an increase in the minimum hourly wage requirements for this stream. Effective November 8, applicants must earn at least 20% more than the median wage for their specific position. This adjustment raises the wage threshold by $5 to $8 per hour, depending on the province or territory.
The Canadian government anticipates that this reform will result in approximately 34,000 workers transitioning from the high-wage stream to the stricter low-wage stream. Consequently, under the new regulations, around 20,000 positions are projected to be approved through the TFWP.
Boosting Francophone Immigration to Canada
The Canadian government is actively promoting Francophone immigration outside Québec, with increased targets set for the coming years. The aim is to achieve 8.5% Francophone immigration by 2025, 9.5% by 2026, and 10% by 2027. These figures represent a substantial increase compared to previous targets.
Before planning your move to Canada, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the latest immigration policies to align your plans. If you’re considering studying or working in Canada’s key economic sectors, your chances of a successful settlement may be higher.
Navigating the Canadian immigration process can be complex. Trust Keshav Sharma, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), and the team at PL Immigration to provide expert guidance. With extensive knowledge of Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), they offer the support you need to secure Canadian permanent residency efficiently and effectively.
