Key Takeaways:
- Canada will welcome 380,000 permanent residents in 2026, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous year
- The federal government is making changes to its immigration system, including reducing temporary resident volumes and limiting student visas
- The number of student visas issued will be cut in half, from 437,000 in 2025 to 155,000 in 2026
- The federal government will admit fewer temporary workers and refugees, with 230,000 temporary workers and 56,200 refugees and protected persons expected in 2026
- The government is prioritizing economic immigration to attract high-skilled workers and fill labor gaps
Introduction to Canada’s Immigration System
Canada’s immigration system is undergoing significant changes, with the federal government reducing its immigration levels plan and making cuts to various programs. The country is expected to welcome 380,000 permanent residents in 2026, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous year. This downward trend is a concern for immigration lawyers, who argue that Canada needs the support of newcomers to drive labor force growth and fill critical labor gaps. Ravi Jain, the founder of Jain Immigration Law, emphasizes the importance of increasing immigration levels and taking care of the people who are already in the country.
The Need for Immigrants in Canada
Canada’s population growth has declined by 0.2% over the third quarter of 2025, according to data released by Statistics Canada. This decline highlights the need for immigrants to support the country’s labor force and economy. Jain notes that Canada has an aging population and a need for caregivers, personal support workers, and workers in the construction and transportation sectors. He argues that the federal government should prioritize economic immigration to attract high-skilled workers and fill labor gaps. Additionally, immigrants bring new skills, networks, and resources to the country, which can help drive economic growth and innovation.
Cuts to International Students and Temporary Workers
The federal government is making significant cuts to its international student program, with the number of student visas issued expected to be cut in half from 437,000 in 2025 to 155,000 in 2026. This move has been criticized by immigration lawyers, who argue that it will harm the country’s ability to attract top talent and fill labor gaps. Jain suggests that the government should do more to support international students who are already in the country, such as providing pathways to permanent residency. The government is also reducing the number of temporary workers it will admit, from 365,000 in 2025 to 230,000 in 2026.
Changes to the Immigration and Refugee System
The federal government is introducing changes to the immigration and refugee system through Bill C-12, which would bar individuals from filing refugee applications with the Immigration and Refugee Board if they have been in Canada for more than a year. The bill would also give the government the power to stop accepting new immigration applications, even cancelling existing applications for the "public interest." This move has been criticized by advocacy groups and experts, who argue that it will harm the country’s ability to provide a safe haven for refugees and asylum seekers. Anna Triandafyllidou, the Canada Excellence Research Chair in migration and integration at Toronto Metropolitan University, notes that the current asylum system is effective and that the changes are not necessary.
Prioritizing French-Speaking Permanent Residents
The federal government is prioritizing French-speaking permanent residents, with a goal of attracting 30,267 French-speaking newcomers in 2026. This is part of the government’s plan to promote French language and culture outside of Quebec. However, Jain argues that the emphasis on French language ability is edging out other qualified candidates from the system. He suggests that the government should prioritize economic immigration and attract the best talent, regardless of language ability. Triandafyllidou notes that immigrants bring a variety of skills and resources to the country, and that the government should help newcomers find pathways that will maximize their talent.
The Importance of Economic Immigration
The IRCC says that the 2026-2028 immigration levels plan prioritizes economic immigration to attract the "best talent in the world and fill critical labour gaps in high-demand occupations." Triandafyllidou argues that immigrants bring new networks, skills, and resources to the country, which can help drive economic growth and innovation. She notes that Ottawa should help newcomers find pathways that will maximize their talent and provide opportunities for them to contribute to the economy. By prioritizing economic immigration and providing support for newcomers, the government can help drive labor force growth and fill critical labor gaps, ultimately benefiting the Canadian economy.