Canada’s new immigration plan for 2025–26 aims to create a better balance. It will lower the number of short-term visitors, welcome more skilled workers, help people fleeing danger, and make it easier to get citizenship and passports.
On June 20, 2025, Canada shared its 2025–26 immigration plan. This new plan is all about balancing growth, welcoming newcomers, and handling key issues like housing and healthcare stress.
It aims to attract talent, help families reunite, and support people fleeing conflict. At the same time, it will manage numbers to avoid pressure on schools, hospitals, and housing.
Let’s break down the most important parts of this plan.
Fewer Temporary Residents, Better Balance
Canada will limit how many international students, temporary workers, and visitors come each year.
In 2025, the goal is 673,650 temporary residents.
In 2026, it drops to 516,600.
In 2027, it rises slightly to 543,600.
This step will help cities like Toronto and Vancouver where services are under pressure. The focus will be on skilled workers and genuine students.
Minister Lena Metlege Diab said, “Immigration has always been an economic advantage to Canada, and with that comes a responsibility to maintain a sustainable immigration level consistent with our country’s community and service capacity.”
Smarter Visitor Rules, Stronger Borders
Canada has made it easier for tourists and business visitors from 67 countries to apply for an electronic travel permit (eTA). It only takes minutes to get approved.
At the same time, visa rules are tougher for countries with higher fraud rates. Officers now get better training to detect fake applications.
To stop scams, the government is making new rules for immigration consultants to protect applicants.
Support for People in Crisis
Canada continues to support those in danger. Travel documents will be processed faster for people affected by wars or disasters, such as in Gaza or Sudan.
Boosting Canada’s Economy Through Skilled Workers
New programs will help bring in workers for farming, healthcare, and tech. Special agreements with countries like Mexico and Guatemala will increase seasonal labor.
Canada is also working on trade deals with Indonesia and Ecuador to allow skilled worker exchanges.
Helping International Students Succeed
International students bring over $22 billion to Canada. But many cities are struggling to keep up with rising student numbers.
Canada will now cap study permits and raise the minimum funds students need to show. From 2025, this amount will increase yearly.
There’s also a new program to help French-speaking students study outside Quebec and a push to match graduates with jobs in sectors like healthcare and engineering.
Reducing Permanent Resident Numbers
To ease pressure on housing, Canada will reduce permanent resident admissions:
About 40% of these will already be students or workers living in Canada.
Fast-Track Programs for Skilled Immigrants
Express Entry will focus on people with French skills and jobs in healthcare, trades, and education.
Entrepreneurs will be welcomed through business programs, especially those who want to live in smaller towns or Atlantic Canada.
Reuniting Families and Supporting Refugees
Canada is improving family visa processing, especially for spouses and children. Refugee resettlement will continue strongly, with over 12,000 people welcomed each year from different regions.
Growing French-Speaking Communities
Canada wants 8.5% of immigrants to be French-speaking in 2025. A new program and Express Entry changes will help meet this goal.
Making the Asylum System Better
Canada will spend $1.1 billion to improve asylum processing. This includes better tech, healthcare coverage, and more housing help for newcomers.
The country will continue to lead in global migration talks and support fair, safe immigration practices worldwide.
Making Citizenship Easier
Canada hopes 85% of permanent residents become citizens. There will be easier applications for families, online knowledge tests, and more welcoming ceremonies. Indigenous leaders will also take part in these events to support reconciliation.
Faster and Easier Passport Services
Over 4.5 million Canadians apply for passports each year. In 2025, online renewal will expand. New systems will speed up processing and help Canadians abroad get documents faster.
Why This Plan Matters
Canada’s immigration strategy is thoughtful and forward-looking. It supports workers, protects services, helps families reunite, and welcomes people in need.
The country wants to grow in a way that is good for everyone—newcomers and long-time residents alike.
As Minister Diab said, Canada will work to reduce temporary resident numbers to just 5% of the total population and help more workers stay in Canada long-term.
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