Canada’s immigration policy is shifting in 2025. New targets, updated work permits, and significant policy changes are impacting both employers and skilled workers worldwide. These updates are part of a broader effort to manage economic growth, infrastructure pressure, and labor market needs.

Key Immigration Changes in 2025

• Reduced Immigration Targets –The Canadian government is lowering its immigration target to 395,000 permanent residents, down from a planned 500,000. This aims to ease strain on housing and public services. Source: AP News

• Slower Processing Times for Work Permits – Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing delays have tripled, leaving many migrants without valid work status and forcing employers to wait months.Source: Reuters

• International Student Permit Caps Continue – The cap on student permits remains in effect for 2025, limited to 437,000, further impacting talent pipelines.  Source: Reuters

• New Immigration Oversight & Conservative Proposals – Reforms give IRCC officers more authority over application processing, while the Conservative Party proposes a platform to refocus immigration policy on Canadian priorities.  Sources: ImmigCanada, Immigration News Canada

 What This Means for Employers and Applicants

At Horizon Talent Acquisition Ltd, we’re actively adapting to these changes to support both Canadian businesses and international professionals. Whether you’re seeking talent from abroad or applying to work in Canada, these policies affect timelines, eligibility, and how fast opportunities can move.

Our team supports hiring across Canada, the UK, and New Zealand, with particular focus on navigating immigration-related hiring challenges.

📩 For help with recruitment under Canada’s new immigration framework, contact Horizon Talent.

🔗 Learn more about our recruitment services in Canada.