Canada’s recently announced Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 outlines its strategy to attract and retain skilled workers, including international students. Key takeaways for international students include:
Increased Focus on International Students
Canada aims to welcome more new international students than work permit holders in the coming years. The target for new international student arrivals is set at 305,900 annually for the next 3 years.
The figures provided only account for new international student arrivals and do not include renewals of existing study permits.
In contrast, the number of temporary resident workers, including those from the International Mobility Program and Temporary Foreign Worker Program, is projected to decrease over the next three years: 367,750 in 2025, 210,700 in 2026, and 237,700 in 2027.
This shift indicates that international students will constitute a larger proportion of temporary residents in Canada from 2026 onwards.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The plan emphasizes facilitating the transition of temporary residents, such as students and workers, into permanent residents. This means more opportunities for international students to obtain Canadian permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Changes to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
PNP admissions will be significantly reduced, making it more competitive for international students to obtain provincial nominations as a pathway to permanent residency.
Importance of French Language Skills
To align with its previous focus on French-speaking immigration, Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan sets higher targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside of Quebec. In 2025, 8.5% of all permanent resident admissions will be French-speaking (excluding Quebec), increasing to 9.5% in 2026 and 10% in 2027. This is a significant increase compared to the 2024-2026 plan, which aimed for 7% in 2025 and 8% in 2026.
Therefore, international students with French language skills may have a better chance of being invited to apply for permanent residency.
Emphasis on In-Demand Occupations
In 2023, Canada introduced a new system to invite skilled workers in high-demand sectors like healthcare, STEM, trades, and transportation. This initiative, known as category-based selection draws, aims to address labor shortages in the country.
For 2025, the government has prioritized healthcare and trade occupations. While other categories, such as STEM, transportation, agriculture, and agri-food, remain active, there are no immediate plans to discontinue them.
To qualify for a category-based selection draw, candidates must have at least six months of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a designated in-demand occupation within the past three years.
International students with Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) who aspire to obtain Canadian permanent residency may benefit from focusing on jobs that align with the current priority categories.
Are You Interested in Studying in Canada in 2025?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at (855) 976-2121.
Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?
Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.
The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.
