Canada’s immigration landscape is set for a significant shift as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) unveils its 2025-2026 Departmental Plan, outlining bold new goals and permanent changes to immigration programs.
The new strategy reflects Canada’s focus on economic mobility, labour market needs, and better integration of international talent. From new PR streams to updated work permits, here’s what you need to know.
Key Changes Announced by IRCC
IRCC will implement the following major updates in 2025–2026:
Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot to become permanent offering a new PR pathway by the end of 2025 for skilled refugees.
New work permit stream for the agriculture and fish processing sector, helping address seasonal labour shortages.
Updated PGWP eligibility rules, including changes to the field of study requirements.
Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) affecting spouses of foreign workers and international students.
New Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Indonesia and Ecuador offer new work mobility options.
Expansion of special work permits under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Rollout of a new online IRCC account system for better client experience.
GeoMatch Algorithm Testing in collaboration with Stanford University, helping Express Entry applicants identify best-fit settlement locations.
Completion of the Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative.
Exploration of a new PR stream for refugee students.
Policy Focus and Immigration Targets
IRCC will also:
Prioritize temporary residents already in Canada, aiming for 40%+ PRs to come from this group.
Maintain caps on international study permits and limit temporary resident intake to 5% of the population.
Issue 80,000-84,000 LMIA-based work permits annually (down from 184,000 in 2023).
Set a target of 1% of the population as the maximum for annual permanent resident admissions.
Increase French-speaking PRs outside Quebec to 8.5%.
Improve settlement services and integration support.
Aim for 90% client satisfaction and 80% on-time application processing.
What This Means for Immigrants in 2025
Canada is shifting toward a more targeted and efficient immigration system, prioritizing in-Canada applicants, French-speaking talent, and industry-relevant occupations like healthcare, education, trades, and agriculture.
If you're a skilled worker, international student, or temporary resident looking to settle permanently, now is the time to:
Monitor PGWP and SOWP changes carefully
Explore new work permit categories under FTAs
Watch for announcements on the permanent Economic Mobility Pathway
Improve your CRS score to benefit from Express Entry reforms
