In reaction to the rising costs of housing, pressure on social services and economic worries, Canada has cut its immigration targets. The figure of 485,000 new permanent residents will be reduced from 2024 to 395,000 for 2025 and further cuts are planned for 2026 and beyond, according to official sources.
More-stringent regulations have also been put in on international students and temporary workers that narrow their pathways to permanent residency. The government is changing its focus to high-skilled workers in some industries, mainly healthcare, technology and infrastructure.
Ways to Move to Canada in 2025 Legally
Express Entry Program (Skilled Workers & Professionals)
The Express Entry system is still one of the quickest pathways to obtained permanent residence in Canada. Policy changes, however, have made the selection criteria more competitive.
Key requirements:
Have a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
Fluent in spoken and written (English / French)
Desirable occupations work experience (i.e. IT, engineering, healthcare)
Educational degrees assessed by Canadian institutions
From 2025: Aspirants who speak French fluently, have received job offers in critical sectors also get priority
Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — Immigration via Provinces
Every province in Canada has a unique program designed specifically to address the needs of the local labour market. In terms of immigration, if you have work experience in a certain industry that is in demand in a province, you may be eligible for a Provincial Nomination, which dramatically increases your Express Entry CRS score.
New in 2025: Labor shortages are causing provinces to prioritize workers in healthcare, construction and technology.
Immigration Policies in 2025
New immigration streams introduced by the Canadian government include:
Accelerated programs for foreign caregivers: A pilot project for step-up.
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot: Attracts French-speaking immigrants to regions outside of Quebec.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): Helps with immigration to small cities with labor shortages.
International Student Pathway (Limited in 2025)
Foreign students will have a harder time using education to access residency in Canada, which has capped the number of international student visas.
NOTE: Apply for higher-ranking Canadian universities to improve acceptance chances and have a financially sound study plan.
Immigration Via Work Permit and LMIA
This is particularly true if you are offered a job from a Canadian company and will be sponsored via a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
New in 2025: LMIA approvals are more likely for employers in high-demand industries (construction, trucking, healthcare, agriculture).
Programs for Investors & Entrepreneurs
If you have the money to invest in a business or start a new one, Canada offers the following immigration options:
Start-Up Visa Program (for entrepreneurs with innovative business)
Provincial Entrepreneur Programs (different by province)
Family Sponsorship (Continued Availability in 2025)
Citizens and permanent residents of Canada may apply to sponsor their spouse, children and parents/grandparents to become a resident. This pathway has not had any significant changes.
Challenges & Ways to Resolve Them
Higher Competition: You need to put efforts towards increasing your CRS score (by improving language ability and getting Canadian work experience).
✔ Tougher Student Visa Policies: Apply to universities in smaller cities or provinces that might have a higher acceptance rate.
✔ Fewer Creation of Job Offers: Limited to Industries with labor shortage (E.g. Healthcare, Trades, Agriculture)
✔ Streamlined PR Processing for French Speakers: When possible, learn French to be eligible for dedicated immigration streams.
Final Thoughts
Even with tougher immigration regulations, Canada is a frequent choice for skilled workers, students, and families. The important part of moving to Canada in 2025 is to research, advance and find alternative ways to play the system according to your skills and background.
Want to find out the best immigration pathway for you? Let me know!
