Following the results of Canada’s 2025 federal election, the Liberal Party of Canada, led by Mark Carney, is set to form a minority government. As the new Prime Minister, Carney will shape the direction of Canada’s immigration system for the coming years.
While full policy details are still forthcoming, the Liberal platform and campaign statements provide insight into the government’s expected approach to permanent and temporary immigration, economic pathways, and Francophone integration.
Stabilizing Permanent Resident Admissions
A major theme in the Liberal Party’s platform is to stabilize Canada’s permanent resident (PR) intake. The party described past immigration levels as growing at an “unsustainable” pace, putting pressure on housing and social infrastructure.
In response, the Liberals propose to cap annual PR admissions at less than 1% of Canada’s population beyond 2027. This aligns with the Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027, which currently targets:
- 395,000 PRs in 2025
- 380,000 in 2026
- 365,000 in 2027
Given Canada’s projected population of 41.5 million in 2025, these numbers are consistent with the party’s goals.
Reducing Temporary Resident Levels
Another key change under the Liberal government involves lowering the temporary resident population, which includes international students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors.
As of January 2025, Canada had 3.02 million temporary residents, or 7.25% of the total population. The Liberal platform aims to reduce this to below 5% by the end of 2027.
This will be achieved by:
- Limiting study permit intake
- Restricting eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) and Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs)
- Encouraging transitions from temporary to permanent residence
- Allowing individuals to exit the system upon status expiration
Mark Carney emphasized during his campaign that immigration levels will not increase until housing supply improves and earlier immigration waves are “reabsorbed.”
Increasing Francophone Immigration
To support French-speaking communities outside Quebec, the Liberals aim to raise francophone immigration targets to 12% by 2029.
This builds on current federal targets set at:
- 8.5% in 2025
- 9.5% in 2026
- 10% in 2027
The goal is to boost demographic growth in minority francophone areas and support labor market needs.
Supporting Economic Immigration
The Liberal platform also commits to enhancing economic immigration pathways, particularly through programs like the Global Skills Strategy, which offers:
- Two-week work permit processing for highly skilled global talent
- Dedicated support for high-growth companies and entrepreneurs
There is also an intention to attract skilled workers from the United States and collaborate with provinces and territories to streamline foreign credential recognition, ensuring internationally educated professionals can integrate more quickly into the Canadian workforce.
Additional Commitments from the Liberal Party
The platform outlines other proposed initiatives, including:
- Digital tools to reduce application processing times and eliminate backlogs
- Legal aid support for refugees and asylum seekers
- Continued removal of failed asylum claimants after due process
- Enhanced border security, visa controls, and enforcement against immigration fraud
- A commitment to shared jurisdiction with Quebec on immigration matters
What This Means for Applicants and Employers
At Skynet Immigration, we are closely monitoring these developments under the leadership of RCIC Salekur Rahman (RCIC# R514379). Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, employer, or temporary resident, it is more important than ever to stay informed and prepare early.
We can assist you with:
- Navigating PR caps and quota changes
- Temporary to PR transition strategies
- Eligibility for Francophone and Global Skills pathways
- Study permit and PGWP limitations
Contact Skynet Immigration for expert advice, real-time updates, and a free assessment to understand how these new policies could affect your immigration plans.
