Canada’s Immigration Minister, Lena Metlege Diab, has unveiled a transformative three-year strategy for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), outlining the government’s vision from 2025 through 2027. The plan, published in the Departmental Plan for 2025-26, signals a rebalancing of immigration priorities with a strong focus on sustainable population growth, better integration outcomes, and a sweeping digital modernization agenda, Maple News reports.
At the heart of the strategy is a measured approach to immigration levels. Canada aims to admit 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. These targets are designed to keep permanent residence admissions below one percent of the national population after 2027. Meanwhile, the share of temporary residents is set to be reduced to five percent of the population by the end of 2026, as IRCC adjusts for housing capacity, infrastructure strain, and public support.
A central thrust of the plan is enhancing economic immigration. By 2027, economic immigrants are expected to make up 62 percent of permanent admissions. Emphasis will be placed on Express Entry category-based draws that prioritize Canadian work experience, French language proficiency, and key sectors such as healthcare, construction, trades, and education. Regional pathways through the Provincial Nominee Program and Atlantic Immigration Program will also see enhanced support, especially for helping temporary residents transition to permanent status.
Temporary resident volumes will be actively managed for the first time through targeted caps. IRCC plans to welcome 673,650 temporary residents in 2025, 516,600 in 2026, and 543,600 in 2027. These include international students, workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and those entering via the International Mobility Program. Cost-of-living requirements for students will be indexed annually, with $20,635 set for 2024 to ensure financial preparedness.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program has undergone a strategic update in 2024, with a new framework tying eligibility to labour market needs—particularly in high-demand fields. A Francophone Student Pilot, launching in 2025, will further support French-speaking learners in communities outside Quebec. Spousal work permits are also under review to better match labour market dynamics.
In its humanitarian commitments, Canada will continue to lead global refugee resettlement efforts. By 2028, the Government-Assisted Refugee Program will welcome 12,000 refugees each from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, along with 4,000 from the Americas. The IRCC will strengthen partnerships with NGOs and international organizations, enhance processing for private sponsorships, and improve emergency response under the Crisis Response Framework.
To support newcomer integration, the federal government will invest in long-term settlement agreements with over 500 service providers. Special attention will be given to women, racialized groups, Francophones, youth, and those with disabilities. Initiatives such as school-based support for children and the newly established Council of Newcomers will guide inclusive programming.
Digital innovation is a cornerstone of IRCC’s vision. By 2026, all applicants will be served through a unified client portal offering real-time updates and e-services. The Department is also rolling out an advanced case management system and using AI tools—like GeoMatch, developed with Stanford University—to guide Express Entry candidates to optimal regions for economic success. Importantly, AI will enhance efficiency but not make final decisions.
Budget-wise, IRCC spending is projected to decrease from $5.17 billion in 2025–26 to $3.6 billion in 2027–28, alongside a gradual reduction in staffing. This reflects the completion of temporary initiatives and efforts to streamline operations through technology.
Minister Diab’s plan represents a comprehensive reorientation of Canadian immigration policy—balancing growth with capacity, prioritizing in-demand skills, and embracing technology to improve service and fairness. According to Maple News, this strategy signals Canada’s ongoing commitment to welcoming newcomers, but with a framework designed to ensure long-term success for migrants and host communities alike.