What’s Happening with Canadian Immigration in 2025?
In 2024, the Canadian government announced its intention to slow down immigration levels over the next three years.
In 2025, Canada’s immigration system is facing significant shifts. These changes affect both temporary and permanent residents, making it harder for families and individuals to plan ahead. Whether you’re thinking of studying, working, or settling in Canada, here’s what you need to know.
A New Direction: Fewer Immigrants, Tighter Controls
In 2024, the federal government announced its intention to slow down immigration levels over the next three years. The goal is to better manage housing, services, and integration—but the impact is already being felt across every major immigration program.
Temporary Residents: Students and Workers Face New Limits
1. Caps on Study Permits
Colleges and universities must now operate under strict limits on how many international students they can accept each year. This means fewer study permits overall, especially in provinces with high demand.
2. Spouses of Students May Not Qualify for Work Permits
Previously, many international students could bring their spouse, who was eligible for an open work permit. In 2025, only certain study programs allow this benefit.
Click here for our blog post about New Changes to Canada’s Family Open Work Permit Policy
3. Not All Study Programs Lead to a Post-Graduation Work Permit
A PGWP is key to staying and working in Canada after graduation. But not all study programs are eligible anymore (for example many College Diplomas).
Check out our blog post to learn about Eligible Study Program for PGWP
Permanent Residency: Express Entry Becomes Less Predictable
4. Category-Based Invitations
The Express Entry system used to be relatively predictable. Most candidates knew roughly how many points they needed and when the next draw might happen.
That changed in June 2024, when category-based invitations were introduced. Now:
Draws are based on occupation categories (e.g., healthcare, STEM)
Required points vary drastically between categories (e.g., 350 for healthcare vs. 450+ for STEM)
5. Unpredictable Draws and Changing Priorities
Draws no longer happen every two weeks, and the list of priority occupations has already changed within a year — making long-term planning difficult.
6. No More Points for Valid Job Offers
Since March 2025, candidates with job offers supported by an LMIA or free trade agreement no longer receive additional points, reducing their chances of selection. Although this is a temporary measure, we do not know for how long it will last.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) Have Fewer Spots
Provinces like British Columbia saw their nomination allocations cut in half in 2025 (e.g. British Columbia went from 8,000 nomination spots in 2024, to only 4,000 spots available in 2025).
Fewer nomination spots mean stricter selection criteria and less flexibility at the provincial level.
What Can You Do?
Despite the uncertainty, here are a few ways to strengthen your profile:
Research your study program carefully — make sure it qualifies for a PGWP and allows a spouse to work if needed.
Improve your Express Entry score through language tests, education, or work experience.
Look for ways to extend your work permit if PR is not currently an option.
Stay informed and flexible — government policies are changing quickly.
Need Help Navigating the System?
Immigration in 2025 is more complex than ever. At North Horizon Immigration, we help individuals and families develop smart, customized strategies based on their real chances.
Book a consultation with Rita Benkhalti, our Regulated Immigration Consultant at North Horizon Immigration, and let’s explore your best path forward.
