2025 Canadian Immigration Changes and What You Can Do Now

Photo by: Liam Tomtit

Canada remains a top migration destination for Filipinos, but recent policy changes for 2025 have introduced reduced immigration targets and tighter criteria for both permanent and temporary residents. The government plans to admit 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, a significant drop from previous plans that aimed for around 500,000 annually. This reduction marks a more cautious approach intended to balance population growth with economic sustainability and service capacity.

A major shift in 2025 is the prioritization of applicants already inside Canada. Over 40% of permanent resident admissions will come from students, temporary foreign workers, or other temporary residents who have Canadian experience. This “in-Canada focus” is designed to ease the transition of those contributing to the workforce and economy locally, especially in critical sectors like health care and skilled trades. This approach helps newcomers integrate faster and reduces pressure on social services.

Regarding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), allocations have been reduced by about 50% in 2025. Some provinces have paused or limited streams, focusing nominations on urgently needed occupations such as healthcare professionals and construction workers. This tighter control aims to align immigration more closely with regional labor market demands and reduce surplus admissions in oversupplied categories.

The Express Entry system remains operational but faces increased competition due to lower overall intake targets. Filipino professionals should be aware that eligibility requirements may be updated, particularly around language proficiency, work experience, and educational credentials. Additionally, changes in family reunification and refugee programs have occurred, so potential migrants should consult official resources to confirm current criteria before applying.

For temporary residents like international students and temporary foreign workers, reductions are also planned with temporary foreign worker admissions to drop by roughly 40% by 2026 as the government strives to manage overall population growth more cautiously. However, pathways continue to exist for those seeking to convert temporary status to permanent residency, often through federal economic priority programs.

In summary, Canada’s 2025 immigration policies mean:

• Fewer total immigrants in 2025 compared to recent years (395,000 vs. previously 500,000+).

• Strong preference for applicants already in Canada (students, workers), facilitating smoother integration.

• Reduced Provincial Nominee Program allocations, focusing on priority occupations.

• Ongoing but more competitive Express Entry processes; eligibility rules are evolving.

• Lower temporary worker intake but sustained pathways to permanence.

Filipino migrants should expect tougher competition and fewer spots, especially in federal permanent residency programs. Priority is shifting toward those already living in Canada, so applicants applying from abroad may face longer wait times.

Provincial nominee opportunities are now limited and focus mainly on critical job sectors.

It’s important to stay updated on changing eligibility requirements and consider improving your language skills and qualifications. Overall, be prepared for a more complex and slower immigration process, and consult trusted experts to help navigate these changes effectively.

References

1. Government of Canada. (2024, October 24). 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/10/20252027-immigration-levels-plan.html

2. Government of Canada. (2024, October 24). Supplementary Information for the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/supplementary-immigration-levels-2025-2027.html

3. CanadaVisa.com. (2024, October 25). Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027. https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-levels-plans.html

4. ICEF Monitor. (2025, May 15). Canada’s new government strikes a more conservative note on immigration. https://monitor.icef.com/2025/05/canadas-new-government-strikes-a-more-conservative-note-on-immigration/

5. G&AS Immigration. (2025, January 7). What to Expect in 2025: Priorities for Canadian Immigration. https://www.gands.com/blog/2025/01/07/what-to-expect-in-2025-priorities-for-canadian-immigration/

6. International Bar Association. (2025, May 6). Major recent changes to Canadian immigration. https://www.ibanet.org/major-changes-to-Canadian-immigration