Canada Immigration Update – December 8 2025

Canada Immigration Update – December 8 2025 Snapshots: Canada’s immigration framework is undergoing a significant reset. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its 2026‑2028 Immigration Levels Plan, signalling steady permanent‑resident intake but a sharp pull‑back on temporary visa streams — especially for students. At the same time, provincial programmes are adjusting: Quebec, for instance, is overhauling its popular pathway for foreign workers and graduates.

What’s new

• The new Plan sets ≈ a target of 380,000 new permanent residents each year from 2026‑28. The Times of India+3Canada+3Canada+3

• Temporary resident admissions (workers + students) are trimmed to 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027‑28. Canada+1

• The annual target for international students for 2026 drops dramatically to 155,000, down from an earlier projection of ~305,900. CIC News+1

• As of Sept 1, 2025, student visa applicants must now provide increased proof of funds: the minimum has been raised to CA $22,895 for single applicants. The Economic Times

• A new federal law (Bill C‑12) empowers the federal government to cancel or suspend foreign study permits en masse in the “public interest”, which is now under scrutiny in the House of Commons. University Affairs

• In Quebec, the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) — a fast‑track to permanent residence for graduates and certain workers — will close by November 2025, shifting focus toward the Skilled Worker Selection Programme (PSTQ). The Economic Times

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  In a landmark court decision, the Supreme Court of Canada held that a visa must have been valid at the time of arrival in Canada for a person to appeal a removal order under s.63(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Supreme Court of Canada

Why it matters – key takeaways

• For international students: Expect greater competition and stricter eligibility requirements. The reduction in the student‑entry target to 155,000, plus a higher proof‑of‑funds requirement, = a tougher entry bar.

• For temporary foreign workers & visitors: The smaller temporary‑resident quota means fewer openings and potentially slower processing. Staying compliant is more critical than ever, given rules such as Bill C‑12.

• For skilled‑worker & PR hopefuls: Steady PR targets (~380k annually) mean opportunity remains, but pathways emphasize what Canada needs: economically able newcomers, often already in Canada.

• For provinces & educational institutions: Recruitment and pathway design will need to be adjusted. For example, Quebec’s PEQ closure alters a significant route for graduates.

• For anyone planning to come to Canada: Timing and strategy matter more — start early, be well‑documented, pick programmes aligned with labour‑market demand, ensure funds and compliance.

Key dates & numbers

• Nov 5 2025: Date of widely covered announcement of the 2026‑28 levels plan. The Times of India+1

• 155,000: Target for new international‑student admissions in 2026. CIC News+1

• 385,000: Target for total temporary‑resident admissions (workers + students) in 2026. Canada+1

• ≈ 380,000: Annual permanent‑resident target for 2026‑28. Canada+1

• Sept 1 2025: Effective date for the higher funds requirement for student permit applicants. The Economic Times

• Nov 2025: Deadline set for the closure of Quebec’s PEQ pathway. The Economic Times

In conclusion

Canada is turning a corner in its immigration policy: fewer temporary entrants, sharper rules, and a clear pivot toward sustainable growth and labour‑market alignment. The doors are still open — but the pathways are narrowing and the rules getting tougher. If you’re planning to study, work or settle in Canada, the time to prepare is now.

Canada Immigration Update – December 8 2025