A young female traveler on a walking escalator at the airport. She has her carry on suit case and a bag on her. She is wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of germs.

Canada’s 2025 Immigration Plan: What It Means for Students, Workers, and Returnees

On May 2, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a pivotal speech outlining Canada’s updated immigration priorities. The government is introducing a population-based cap to reduce the number of temporary residents—including international students and foreign workers—to below 5% by 2027, citing pressure on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.

While this may signal tighter eligibility and application scrutiny, it’s not all restrictive. Canada continues to welcome highly skilled immigrants, entrepreneurs, and former Canadian residents eager to return home.

The plan also includes new investments in:

  • border enforcement,
  • safety,
  • and national security.

For visa holders and prospective applicants, understanding these changes is crucial for strategic planning.

Read more: Click here to explore how these reforms affect you