Canada’s 2025 federal election has delivered a minority government led by Mark Carney and the Liberal Party. While minority wins often bring policy compromises, Carney’s leadership signals a steady hand when it comes to immigration. For newcomers, students, workers, and permanent residents-in-waiting, the message is clear: Canada’s immigration system is shifting gears. So, what’s really changing, and what does it mean for the future of immigration in Canada?
A Shift Toward “Stability” in Permanent Immigration
One of the Liberal Party’s main pledges is to stabilize the number of permanent residents (PRs) entering the country. This means annual PR admissions will stay below 1% of the total population. In numbers, that’s:
| Year | Target PR Admissions | Estimated Population | % of Population |
| 2025 | 395,000 | 41.5 million | ~0.95% |
| 2026 | 380,000 | ~42 million | ~0.90% |
| 2027 | 365,000 | ~42.5 million | ~0.86% |
This approach comes as a response to concerns about the country’s ability to provide housing and services to a growing population. The Liberal government’s position is that immigration should continue, but at a rate that the country’s infrastructure can handle.
Temporary Residents: A Plan to Lower the Numbers
One of the more significant changes involves temporary residents. With over 3 million temporary residents, making up more than 7% of the total population, the Liberals want to reduce this to under 5% by 2027.
To reach this goal, several tools are already in play:
- Study permit caps: Reducing the number of international students accepted each year.
- Work permit limits: Narrowing eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) and Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs).
- Fewer renewals: Encouraging temporary residents to either transition to PR or return home once permits expire.
While this could affect future applicants, current temporary residents may still have opportunities to transition to permanent status through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
More Francophone Immigration Beyond Quebec
Another clear priority is boosting French-speaking immigration outside Quebec. By 2029, the target is to have 12% of newcomers in these regions be francophone. Here’s how the targets are scheduled to increase:
- 2025: 8.5%
- 2026: 9.5%
- 2027: 10%
- 2029: 12%
This push supports Canada’s bilingual identity and helps fill jobs in underrepresented French-speaking communities.
Economic Immigration: Tapping Global Talent
Canada’s strategy to stay globally competitive includes revamping the Global Skills Strategy, which offers two-week processing for certain work permits. This is good news for fast-growing Canadian tech firms and other innovative sectors.
The Liberals have also pledged to:
- Attract highly skilled professionals from the U.S.
- Simplify recognition of foreign credentials.
- Partner with provinces to speed up licensing for international professionals.
These changes aim to remove barriers for immigrants with in-demand skills, especially in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and information technology.
Other Key Measures to Watch
The Liberals’ immigration platform also includes:
- Faster processing times with new digital tools.
- Increased legal support for asylum seekers.
- Stronger enforcement against immigration fraud.
- Co-management with Quebec, preserving its autonomy in immigration matters.
All these steps show a broader goal: make immigration more efficient, fair, and aligned with Canada’s long-term needs.
What This Means for the Future of Canadian Immigration
Mark Carney’s minority win promises measured adjustments rather than dramatic shifts. With permanent resident levels staying below 1% of the population and a gradual reduction in temporary residents, Canada’s immigration system is entering a phase of cautious balance. For those planning to build a life in Canada, now is the time to stay informed, plan ahead, and explore pathways that align with the country’s evolving priorities in Canadian immigration policy.
If you’re ready to take the next step, don’t wait—book a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) today. Whether you’re looking to apply for Canada PR with RCIC, fast-track your Canada PR, or find a trusted Canada immigration consultant, our expert team is here to help. Hire an RCIC in Canada and get access to professional guidance, personalized strategies, and reliable support.
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