Maple News reports a major shift in Canada’s immigration landscape for 2025, with former work permit holders now surpassing international students as the leading group transitioning to permanent residence (PR). This trend reflects broader policy changes emphasizing Canadian work experience over education alone as the preferred pathway to PR.
According to recent Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, the first half of 2025 has seen a noticeable drop in PR applications approved from former international students. In contrast, those with prior Canadian work experience—particularly under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP)—are gaining ground. This follows the federal government’s tightened rules around study permits and the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which has traditionally served as a bridge to permanent status for many students.
Key numbers show the shift clearly: as of mid-2025, just over 11,000 former study permit holders became permanent residents, compared to nearly 86,000 from IMP and TFWP combined. Maple News analysis indicates this is not just a pacing issue but a policy-driven pivot prioritizing economic integration.
The trend is echoed in Express Entry draws this year, particularly under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). After a period of dormancy, CEC-specific draws have returned, featuring moderate Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. These invitations favour applicants with skilled work experience inside Canada, further sidelining graduates without employer-backed employment or in-demand occupations.
The changes to the PGWP have had widespread effects. As of 2024 and 2025, PGWP eligibility now depends on the type of institution and program, with fewer extension options and reduced weight in Express Entry scoring. This makes it more difficult for graduates to accumulate enough points or qualify under CEC or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Meanwhile, workers under the TFWP and IMP benefit from employer sponsorship, participation in in-demand sectors, and streamlined LMIA-exempt pathways. Categories like intra-company transfers, Francophone mobility, and youth exchange programs are contributing significantly to Canada’s long-term immigration goals by quickly integrating skilled workers into the labour force.
IRCC’s approach signals a broader move from a volume-driven, student-heavy immigration pipeline toward a system favouring labour market readiness and long-term workforce contribution. Provinces, through PNPs, are similarly tightening criteria for PGWP holders, especially if their field of study does not align with regional occupational needs.
For prospective immigrants, the message is clear: those with concrete work experience and employer backing now enjoy stronger pathways to PR. Students, while still welcome, must be more strategic—choosing programs and institutions aligned with Canada’s job market, gaining relevant work experience early, and navigating Express Entry and PNP timelines effectively.
This policy evolution reinforces the growing role of employers in immigration outcomes. By supporting foreign talent through job offers, employers become critical to Canada’s economic immigration goals, helping align skilled newcomers with labour market demands.