The Canadian immigration system has undergone significant changes in 2024, reshaping how foreign nationals can live, work, and study in the country. These changes, driven by growing concerns over housing shortages, cost-of-living increases, and labour market shifts, reflect an effort to balance economic growth with sustainable population management.
Immigration has been a cornerstone of Canada’s growth, contributing nearly 98% of population increases in recent years. However, by late 2023, Canadians voiced concerns about its impact on housing affordability, infrastructure strain, and public services.
In response, the federal government unveiled the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which drastically reduced permanent resident targets. By 2025, the new cap will be 395,000—down from the previous 500,000 goal—a 21% decrease. Temporary resident programs also faced restrictions, including international students and temporary foreign workers (TFWs).
For employers, the changes introduced in 2024 brought new restrictions aimed at balancing labour market needs with sustainability:
The Provincial Nominee Program, which allows provinces to customize immigration to their local labour needs, experienced significant reductions. Targets for 2025 and 2026 are set at just 55,000 admissions, a 50% drop from 2023 levels. The decrease has sparked concerns from provinces that rely heavily on these programs to fill local labour shortages.
Quebec also tightened its restrictions, particularly for low-wage foreign workers. The province suspended approvals for certain LMIA applications in Montreal for jobs paying below the median wage of $27.47 per hour. These changes reflect an effort to balance Quebec’s labour needs while protecting local job opportunities.
International students, a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, also face stricter rules in 2024. Key changes include:
These sweeping changes have reshaped how foreign nationals approach their pathways to Canada. For some, particularly students and skilled workers in high-demand sectors, opportunities remain available. But for many others, stricter eligibility requirements and reduced caps mean a longer, more challenging road to living and working in Canada.
Although Canada continues to welcome immigrants, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Adapting to these changes will require careful planning and, often, professional advice to navigate the system. Whether it’s for work, study, or permanent residency, understanding these new rules is key to making Canada your home.