IRCC’s 2025-2026 Plan: Key Visa & Immigration Changes
Great news for international job seekers! Canada’s immigration department is introducing a new pathway to permanent residence (PR) and is also planning to launch a new work permit stream. These changes are part of the 2025-2026 Departmental Plan aimed at making it easier for individuals like you to live and work in Canada.
What is Permanent Residence in Canada?
Permanent residence (PR) allows you to live and work in Canada indefinitely. As a permanent resident, you’ll enjoy most of the same rights as a citizen, such as access to social benefits and healthcare. The new pathway could be a fantastic opportunity for those looking to settle in Canada for the long term.
New Work Permit Stream
Along with the PR pathway, the immigration department is working on a new work permit stream. This could provide additional opportunities for job seekers, particularly if you’re interested in gaining work experience while pursuing PR. If you’re exploring job options, our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, focuses specifically on Canadian jobs that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants.
Innovative Tools for Job Seekers
As part of the new plan, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is testing an algorithm called GeoMatch. This tool aims to assist Express Entry candidates—applicants looking to immigrate through a points-based system—in selecting the best locations to settle in Canada. This innovative approach will help you make more informed decisions about where to look for job opportunities across the country.
IRCC Commitments
The IRCC has outlined its commitment to processing at least 80% of applications within their service standards, with a goal of achieving a 90% satisfaction rate among clients. They are also looking to ensure that 65% of Canadians support current immigration levels, especially as public opinion can sometimes sway policy directions.
This is particularly crucial following recent initiatives that have seen the Canadian federal government temporarily reduce immigration levels due to infrastructural pressures, especially on housing and social services. This response includes capping the number of study permits and limiting eligibility for certain immigration programs.
Understanding Key Terms: LMIA and PNP
If you’re considering working in Canada, it’s helpful to understand some key terms. For instance, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It shows that no Canadian worker is available for the job.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on local labour needs. Notably, the recent changes mandate that at least 75% of PNP nominations must be directed at candidates already living in Canada, which could positively impact your PR application if you’re already in the country.
Current Express Entry Draws
IRCC recently held several Express Entry draws in 2025, targeting diverse groups including:
- Canadian Experience Class: 15,850 invitations issued
- PNP: 5,495 invitations
- French-Language Proficiency: 18,500 invitations
- Healthcare and Social Services: 1,000 invitations
- Education-related occupations: 1,000 invitations
These draws reflect a commitment to welcoming skilled professionals across various sectors, creating ample opportunities for international applicants.
Your Journey to Canada Starts Here
If you’re exploring job opportunities from overseas, you’ll find that every listing on VisaJobsCanada.com includes valuable visa support information. This can significantly ease the process of securing a job in Canada as you navigate your immigration journey.
What do you think?
Have a question about this topic or your own plans to move to Canada? Scroll down and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.