Canada's Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027 is making history by introducing specific targets for temporary residents, with international students in the spotlight.
For the first time, the plan sets clear targets for temporary residents, underscoring their importance in Canada's vision for economic growth and innovation.
International students and other temporary residents are now recognized as essential contributors to the country's workforce and cultural diversity. Let us explore how this plan could impact your pathway to residency and shape your future in Canada.
Every year, by November 1, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) finalize the targets for the upcoming year. As part of Canada's Immigration Levels Plan, early targets for 2026 and 2027 are set to provide future goals. However, these numbers may change depending on Canada's needs and priorities.
The latest Immigration Levels Plan clearly shifting to welcome more new international students than work permit holders. The plan establishes a consistent target of 305,900 new international student arrivals each year for 2025, 2026, and 2027. These numbers represent new entrants and do not include study permit renewals for students already in the country.
Meanwhile. the number of temporary resident workers, which includes individuals from the International Mobility Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, is expected to experience a steady decline over the next three years. Specifically, arrivals are anticipated to drop from 367,750 in 2025 to 210,700 in 2026, followed by a modest increase to 237,700 in 2027.
The anticipated changes in Canada's immigration landscape indicate that international students will represent a larger portion of new temporary residents by 2026 and 2027.
This shift aligns with Canada's strategic focus on enhancing educational opportunities and harnessing the long-term potential of skilled contributions from international students. As the country adjusts its immigration policies, international students will be crucial in addressing labour shortages and enriching the Canadian workforce.
The Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 emphasizes the transition of individuals already in Canada, such as students and workers, to permanent residency under the "in-Canada focus" category. By 2025, the IRCC expects that over 40% of new permanent resident admissions will come from these groups.
The plan has restructured the Federal High Skilled (FHS) segment into two categories: Federal Economic Priorities and In-Canada Focus. Notably, the In-Canada Focus category is set to receive a much larger share of admissions, with a target of 82,980 compared to just 41,700 for Federal Economic Priorities in 2025.
IRCC is likely to explore additional pathways for transitioning temporary residents into permanent residents. Potential strategies may include increasing Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draws or implementing new policies prioritizing those already residing in Canada. Such measures aim to retain skilled individuals in the job market and support economic growth.
The latest immigration plan has significantly changed by cutting the number of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) spots in the coming years. For 2025, the target has dropped to just 55,000, down from last year's 110,000 and the original 120,000 target for 2025.
The drastic reduction poses challenges for international students and workers considering provincial nominations as a pathway to permanent residency, as they will now face increased competition for limited spots.
According to the federal government, the decision stems from the need for provinces to provide better data on labour market needs. As a result, provinces must now be more strategic in their nominations, focusing on critical occupations to align with federal priorities. This shift could lead to fewer opportunities for candidates seeking immigration through PNP streams. The overall reduction in PNP admissions signifies a broader trend in Canada's immigration strategy to manage population growth sustainably.
As part of its immigration strategy, Canada is increasing its focus on attracting French-speaking permanent residents outside of Quebec.
In 2025, the target for French-speaking individuals will be 8.5% of total permanent resident admissions, rising to 9.5% in 2026 and 10% in 2027.
As a result, students and immigrants who need to be more fluent in French may consider learning the language to enhance their chances of receiving invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.
The initiative aims to enhance the vitality of Francophone communities across the country and to address labour market needs.
Canada has introduced category-based selection draws to prioritize skilled workers in high-demand occupations, such as healthcare, STEM, trades, and transport, in response to labour shortages. This initiative, launched in 2023, aims to adapt to changing labour market needs over time.
The priority categories for 2025 include healthcare and trade occupations, while other categories like STEM and agriculture remain unchanged.
To qualify for these category-based draws, candidates must have at least six months of full-time work experience in an in-demand occupation within the last three years. This presents an opportunity for students graduating with Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs) to focus on jobs that align with these priority categories to enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
The federal government's commitment to addressing labour market gaps through targeted immigration reflects its broader strategy to attract talent to the most needy regions or provinces.
As the landscape evolves, candidates should stay informed about the priority categories and consider acquiring relevant skills and experience to improve their eligibility for future draws.
By focusing on in-demand occupations and pursuing additional training or certifications, candidates can better position themselves for success in a dynamic job market.
Networking with industry professionals and seeking mentorship can enhance your chances of obtaining PR in Canada. By connecting with experienced individuals, you gain valuable insights and access to job opportunities that may not be publicly available. Mentors can introduce you to their networks, helping you navigate the job market and boosting your confidence in pursuing PR pathways.
For expert guidance throughout the immigration journey, you may contact ImmiLaw Global. Our comprehensive services include immigration lawyer expert guidance, assistance with Express Entry and PNP applications, tailored advice on category-based selection draws, support for obtaining work permits and PGWPs, and strategies to enhance your profile to meet priority category requirements.
Let us work together to navigate the complexities of the immigration process and maximize your chances of securing PR in Canada.
Feel free to contact us for your queries
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