Canada may be preparing to increase immigration intake after nearly three years of tightening its immigration policy, with the federal government expected to unveil its next immigration levels plan next month. The potential shift comes as the country looks to revive economic growth, address labour shortages and attract workers to sectors where domestic recruitment remains insufficient.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab signalled the possibility of a change in direction during a media interaction in Kitchener, Ontario, on Friday. She indicated that Canada would continue to need foreign workers to fill gaps in its workforce over the coming decade, hinting that the upcoming immigration plan could reflect the country’s changing economic priorities.
Diab linked the issue to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s ambition to make Canada’s economy the strongest in the Group of Seven (G7) nations. She said immigration policy would remain an important tool in supporting that goal, while acknowledging that the country had taken a step back on immigration in recent years.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing indications that Ottawa may be moving away from the restrictive approach adopted after a period of rapid population growth. The government had previously raised concerns about mounting pressure on housing, employment opportunities and public services following a substantial increase in temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers.
Carney had also indicated in September that Canada could eventually resume a controlled increase in population growth. In an interview with The New York Times, he said the immigration system had returned to a more manageable position and suggested the government was considering when to begin increasing population levels again.
The forthcoming immigration levels plan is expected to provide greater clarity on the government’s approach to permanent and temporary residents in the coming years. The announcement will be closely watched by prospective immigrants, international students and skilled professionals, including applicants from India, who view Canada as a major destination for employment and permanent settlement.
However, the minister’s comments do not amount to a formal announcement of an across-the-board increase in immigration numbers. The final direction will depend on the targets and priorities outlined in the government’s forthcoming plan. Canada has already introduced changes to its immigration system to bring admissions in line with labour-market requirements.
Under the existing 2026-2028 plan, the country aims to admit 380,000 permanent residents annually during the three-year period. It has also set targets for new temporary resident arrivals, including international students and workers, as part of its effort to bring the temporary resident population below five per cent of the total population by the end of 2027.
Alongside the broader policy review, the government is introducing changes to the Express Entry system that will take effect on November 3. The revised criteria will award additional points to eligible candidates with Canadian work experience or qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations.
These include professions in healthcare, engineering, information technology and skilled trades, such as electrical work. The changes indicate that Canada intends to place greater emphasis on applicants who can address specific workforce shortages and contribute directly to economic growth.
For prospective immigrants, this could mean that relevant professional experience, employment prospects and the ability to meet Canada’s labour-market needs will remain important considerations. The government is also seeking to retain skilled temporary workers who have already established themselves in Canadian communities.
Its current plan includes a two-year initiative to transition up to 33,000 temporary workers to permanent residency during 2026 and 2027, particularly those working in sectors and communities where their skills are needed.
For now, prospective immigrants will have to wait for the official announcement before drawing conclusions about any increase in admission targets or changes to eligibility. The next immigration levels plan is likely to determine whether Canada continues to prioritise stabilisation or begins a gradual expansion of its intake to support its longer-term economic ambitions.
