CANADA IMMIGRATION
FOREIGN STUDENTS ARE STILL PART OF CANADA’S IMMIGRATION PLAN
The Canadian government is fine tuning its immigration policies to stabilize permanent resident admissions to less than 1% of the total population beyond 2027. Image credit: SANKET MISHRA on Unsplash.
The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met to advance collaboration on the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan and discuss federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) priorities.
They discussed returning immigration to sustainable levels while considering regional, rural and northern contexts, addressing labour shortages, reinforcing key economic sectors, and supporting communities across the country.
Ministers also discussed the role of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in advancing these considerations and the need for stable and adequate PNP allocations.
Ministers reviewed the implementation of recent reforms, including measures to support sustainable immigration and strengthen program integrity. They agreed that meaningful consultation, careful planning, and effective management across both permanent and temporary immigration pathways is essential to restoring balance to Canada’s immigration system and alignment with economic objectives.
Ministers discussed the federal commitment to stabilize permanent resident admissions to less than 1% of the total population beyond 2027 and to reduce the temporary population to less than 5% of the total population by the end of 2027, agreeing on the need for continued progress in returning immigration to sustainable levels.
Ministers underscored that immigration is a shared jurisdiction and that provinces and territories need to be engaged as substantive partners in the development of immigration levels and programs to enhance responsiveness to distinct labour market and demographic needs across Canada.
They agreed on the importance of strong collaboration between FPT partners, as well as with strategic stakeholders, while ensuring successful integration of newcomers in key labour sectors at the national and regional levels. They emphasized that attracting and retaining the world’s best talent with the skills and experience needed to grow the economy at the national and regional levels is key to achieving Canada’s economic objectives. PT ministers requested further information on the process to set PNP targets and allocations to facilitate more strategic policy and program planning.
Ministers discussed improving economic immigration programs, including modernizing processes, streamlining workflows, and reducing duplication of selection of candidates.
They discussed ways to improve the Express Entry system to better address regional labour market needs and newcomer outcomes. PT ministers underlined that the PNP and other regional economic programs such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), are the most effective tools available to address regional labour shortages in key sectors, enabling provinces and territories to directly select the skilled workers that align with their economic priorities. PT ministers underscored the importance of increasing the PNP and AIP allocations to ensure provinces and territories have greater control over economic immigration.
They emphasized the role PTs play in the integration of newcomers. PT ministers urged the federal government to reinstate adequate and responsive levels of funding, in areas such as targeted language training, to support ongoing settlement needs for newcomers and help them succeed.
Ministers discussed the importance of attracting and recruiting international students to support Canada’s economy.
PT ministers agreed to further collaboration to shape the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to better align with regional labour market needs.
Prior efforts and the progress made to reduce barriers to foreign credential recognition (FCR), including occupation-specific reforms (particularly in health care), FCR system reforms, and the introduction of fair registration practices legislation in most jurisdictions were acknowledged.
“Canadians expect their governments to manage migration responsibly, balancing sustainability and system integrity with efforts to attract the best talent in the world,” said Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “Alongside our partners, we are doing that work now. By restoring confidence and control to our system, we will maximize the social and economic benefits that newcomers can bring to communities across Canada. I look forward to collaborating further on our shared priorities in the months and years ahead.”