Canada’s immigration agency, IRCC, has unveiled its 2025–2026 immigration priorities, and it’s all about balance. The country plans to cut back immigration levels to ease pressure on housing and public services. Expect fewer temporary residents, from students to foreign workers, as Canada targets just 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, dropping to 365,000 by 2027.

International students and skilled workers already in Canada will get priority for permanent residency. Meanwhile, spouse work permits, eTA expansions, and stricter rules for immigration consultants are also being considered. With big goals to reduce the temporary resident population to 5%, the focus is now on economic sustainability, not just growth.