Canada Releases Updated Immigration Plan for 2025–2026: Priorities, Numbers, and Budget

Canada Releases Updated Immigration Plan for 2025–2026: Priorities, Numbers, and Budget

Canada’s Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) has released its updated immigration plan for 2025–2026. For the first time, the plan includes a public breakdown of the budget allocated for implementing immigration programs. Here's a summary of key changes and priorities shaping the future of Canadian immigration.

Reducing Temporary Resident Share

A central goal is to reduce the share of temporary residents in Canada to 5% of the total population (from 7.5% as of mid-2025). The focus is on transitioning international students and temporary foreign workers to permanent residency, especially through rural and northern immigration programs.

Stabilising Immigration Levels

Starting in 2027, Canada aims to stabilise the annual intake of permanent residents to under 1% of the national population.

Targeted permanent resident admissions:

• 2025: 395,000
• 2026: 380,000
• 2027: 365,000

Breakdown for 2025:

• 62% economic immigrants
• 22% family reunification
• 15% refugees and protected persons
• 1.2% humanitarian or special cases

Over 40% of new PRs are expected to be international students and workers already residing in Canada.

Supporting Francophone and New Citizens

The federal government is increasing quotas for Francophone immigration outside Quebec to address demographic imbalances:

• 2021: 1.95%
• 2022: 4.44%
• 2023: 4.68%
• Target: 8.5%

It also aims to maintain a naturalisation rate of at least 85% among permanent residents (currently 83%).

Temporary Residents: What to Expect

IRCC introduced fixed caps for 2025–2027:

• International students: 305,900 per year
• Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW): 82,000
• International Mobility Program (IMP):
• 2025: 285,750
• 2026: 128,700
• 2027: 155,700

Additional updates:

• New financial requirement for international students: CA$22,895 starting September 1, 2025, with annual indexation
• Launch of Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot in 2025
• Revised work permit rules for spouses of international students and foreign workers in priority sectors (healthcare, construction, social services)

Express Entry & Economic Focus

In 2025, Express Entry will prioritise:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates
• Francophone applicants
• Professionals in healthcare, education, tech, and construction

The goal: boost long-term employment outcomes, income stability, and Canada’s economic performance through immigration.

Budget Transparency: IRCC Funding for 2025–2026

For the first time, IRCC published detailed budget allocations for key priorities. A reduction of $1.6 billion over three years is planned, reflecting the end of temporary programs and lower intake targets. Still, investments will continue in digital transformation and service efficiency improvements.

Public Support & Challenges

Public support for immigration is declining:

• 2021–22: 67%
• 2022–23: 61%
• 2023–24: 50%

The government’s target is to restore support to 65%+ through transparent and well-regulated policies.

Summary

Canada’s 2025 immigration policy is shifting toward targeted, controlled, and transparent growth. The focus is on:

• Integrating students and workers already in the country
• Supporting economic outcomes
• Reducing infrastructure strain
• Rebuilding public trust in immigration as a national strategy