Canadian Immigration Policies Changed Before 2026
Top 10 Canadian Immigration Policy Changes That Shaped 2025
Canada’s immigration landscape witnessed one of its most transformative years in recent history. Throughout 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rolled out sweeping reforms affecting citizenship laws, Express Entry selection, international students, temporary workers, and provincial immigration programs.
Rather than focusing on volume, the federal government moved toward precision-based immigration, prioritising labour shortages, targeted occupations, and system integrity. These changes are already influencing Canada PR pathways in 2026 and beyond. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most impactful Canadian immigration policy changes of 2025, who they affect, and what applicants must prepare for next.
1. Canadian Citizenship Law Expanded for “Lost Canadians”
Who benefits: Individuals previously blocked by citizenship-by-descent rules In December 2025, Canada enacted long-awaited amendments to the Citizenship Act, correcting limitations that prevented some children born abroad from inheriting citizenship.
The update restored eligibility for thousands of people who had been excluded due to generational cut-offs. However, Canada also introduced a forward-looking safeguard: children born abroad to Canadian parents who themselves were born outside Canada must now demonstrate a meaningful connection to Canada, based on the parents’ prior physical presence in the country. This reform balances inclusion with long-term national ties.
2. Express Entry Ends Extra CRS Points for Job Offers
Who is affected: All Express Entry candidates
With this policy removed, Express Entry now places greater emphasis on human capital factors such as skills, education, language ability, and Canadian experience. The move also reduced misuse of job offers and reshaped CRS score expectations for Canada PR in 2026.
3. Category-Based Express Entry Rebuilt Around Labour Shortages
Who benefits: Candidates in priority occupations
IRCC redesigned its category-based Express Entry framework in 2025 to align more closely with Canada’s workforce needs. Key developments included:
- Introduction of Education as a new priority category
- Expansion of healthcare to include social service professions
- Removal of transport occupations from targeted draws
- Major reshuffling of eligible occupations across all categories
Toward the end of the year, IRCC also announced a dedicated Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian experience, signalling deeper sector-specific selection in 2026.
Sharp Decline in Temporary Resident Admissions
In a major policy shift, the federal government has announced plans to substantially reduce the number of temporary resident admissions beginning in 2026:
| Category | 2025 Target | 2026 Target | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Temporary Residents | 673,650 | 385,000 | ↓ 43% |
| International Students | 305,900 | 155,000 | ↓ 49% |
| Temporary Foreign Workers | 367,750 | 230,000 | ↓ 37% |
4. Family Open Work Permit Rules Tightened
Who is impacted:
Spouses of international students and foreign workers Canada significantly narrowed eligibility for spousal open work permits in early 2025.
For international students, only spouses of learners enrolled in advanced or professional programs now qualify. For foreign workers, eligibility is limited to those employed in high-skilled or select shortage occupations. This marked a clear shift away from broad access and toward controlled, labour-aligned family migration.
5. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Reworked
Who is affected: International students in non-degree programs
The PGWP program underwent major recalibration in 2025. Canada tied PGWP eligibility more closely to fields of study linked with long-term labour demand.
Although IRCC revised the eligible program list multiple times during the year, the final outcome expanded opportunities for students in strategic disciplines while discouraging low-demand programs. Degree-level programs remained exempt, preserving Canada’s attractiveness to international graduates.
6. New Restrictions on Changing Schools for International Students
Who is affected: Post-secondary international students
7. Provincial Nominee Programs Recalibrated After Allocation Cuts
Who is affected: Provincial immigration applicants
Early 2025 brought unexpected nomination reductions across most provinces. In response, many provinces paused streams, introduced caps, or restricted overseas recruitment.
Later negotiations restored much of the lost capacity, but provinces continued prioritising healthcare, skilled trades, childcare, and essential services. The result was a more selective and region-specific PNP system.
8. Medical Exams Required Before Express Entry Submission
Who is affected: New Express Entry PR applicants
IRCC introduced upfront medical examination requirements for most Express Entry candidates in mid-2025.
Applicants must now complete health checks before submitting their PR applications, which accelerates decision timelines but increases preparation requirements. Some applicants inside Canada remain exempt under low-risk criteria.
9. Maintained Status Rules Made Stricter
Who is affected: Temporary residents applying for extensions
Canada revised how maintained status works when multiple applications are filed. If an initial extension is refused, subsequent applications no longer protect the applicant’s legal stay.
This change aims to prevent the misuse of maintained status and encourages the submission of accurate, well-prepared applications.
10. Closed Work Permit Holders Given Faster Job Mobility
Who benefits: Certain foreign workers on employer-specific permits
IRCC extended a policy allowing some closed work permit holders to begin working for a new employer while their application is processed. With long processing times still a challenge, this policy offered essential flexibility and labour continuity for Canadian employers.
What These Changes Mean for Canada Immigration in 2026
Canada’s immigration strategy is no longer about broad access. The 2025 reforms confirm a skills-first, compliance-driven, and sector-focused system. Applicants planning for Canada PR in 2026 must prioritise:
- Occupation alignment
- Strong documentation
- Strategic pathway selection
- Early compliance with evolving rules
Governor General’s Role Remains Advisory
Key Questions for Canadian immigration policies changed
Express Entry shifted focus toward category-based draws targeting in-demand occupations such as healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and French-language professionals, reducing reliance on general CRS cut-off scores.
Canada imposed study permit caps, increased financial requirements, tightened eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), and introduced stricter compliance rules for designated learning institutions (DLIs).
The Stakes Are High in 2026
Under Canadian immigration law, claiming work experience under an occupation not actually performed may be considered misrepresentation. This serious offence can result in refusal and a multi-year ban from applying again.
With Express Entry draws becoming more targeted in 2026, immigration experts advise applicants to approach NOC selection with caution, accuracy, and proper documentation. As one immigration lawyer noted, “A strong CRS score means very little if the NOC behind it cannot stand up to scrutiny.”
Recent News
- Canada Invites 4,000 Healthcare Professionals in First Category-Based Draw of 2026
- Canada Launches First-Ever 2026 Physician-Focused Express Entry Draw
- Canada Introduces Three New Express Entry Priority Categories for PR
- Canada Invites 6,000 CEC Candidates in Major Express Entry Draw
- Canada Holds New Express Entry Draw for Provincial Nominees on February 16
