Canada’s New Immigration Landscape Post-Election

On April 28, Canada held a federal election that saw the return of the Liberal Party with Prime Minister Mark Carney at the helm. This election outcome ushers in a new phase for Canada’s immigration policy, one that prioritizes cautious management over ambitious inflows. In his first press conference, Carney emphasized that immigration will remain a focal point for the government, but with significant changes in approach.

Reduced Immigration Targets

One of the most notable shifts in Canada’s immigration strategy comes from the government’s 2025–2027 immigration plan, which sets a course for lower annual targets for permanent residents. The goal is to admit 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, followed by 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027. These figures starkly contrast with previous targets that aimed for around 500,000 annually. This new cap reflects a growing sentiment within the government to exercise greater control over immigration numbers amidst broader socio-economic considerations.

Introduction of Caps on Temporary Residents

For the first time, the new immigration plan also introduces limits on temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers. This policy marks a departure from the past, where there were no restrictions on temporary migration. The government aims to cap the share of temporary residents to 5% of the total population by 2026, a target the Bank of Canada has suggested might be ambitious. Recognizing this challenge, Carney announced that the government would strive to meet the 5% threshold by the end of 2027 instead.

The Current Landscape of Temporary Residents

As of Q1 2025, Canada is home to just over 3 million non-permanent residents, which includes approximately 1 million international students. Given Canada’s population of 41.5 million, temporary residents currently account for about 7.25% of the populace. The proposed reductions not only symbolize a shift in policy but also solicit greater scrutiny of how temporary migration shapes Canadian society and its workforce.

The Impact on International Education

The international education sector, a crucial component of Canada’s immigration framework, has felt the ripples of the changing policies. Reports indicate considerable enrollment declines among foreign students, attributed to recent policy changes, including an enrollment cap for international students. Despite IRCC reporting nearly 1 million foreign students at the end of 2024, trends suggest these numbers will dwindle.

University leaders and education advocates have voiced concerns. According to a report from ICEF Monitor, “Canada’s international education sector has been tested” due to policy shifts and processing challenges. Stakeholders stress the urgency of restoring trust in the system, highlighting that Canada must act to modernize its immigration and education frameworks to remain competitive on a global scale.

Concerns from Educational Institutions and Industry Leaders

Organizations like Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) have raised alarms about the potential long-term impacts of the government’s new immigration agenda. As the competition for international talent intensifies globally, they assert that Canada risks losing its status as a premier destination for foreign students. Delays in visa processing and evolving immigration pathways not only strain institutional relationships but also hinder Canada’s potential to attract top talent.

Pari Johnston, CEO of CICan, welcomed the new government, emphasizing the vital role educational institutions play in nurturing the workforce that drives Canadian prosperity. She expressed optimism about working together with the government to bolster education and immigration strategies that meet current and future demands.

The intricate dynamics of Canada’s immigration policy post-election will shape the country’s demographic landscape, economic growth, and global reputation in the years to come. As stakeholders navigate this changing terrain, the focus remains on balancing the needs of Canadian society with the aspirations of newcomers seeking opportunities to contribute to their new home.