Canada Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab Outlines 3-Year IRCC Strategy

In June 2025, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the IRCC three-year strategic plan, which mapped out ways for Canada to handle immigration until 2027. The focus?  Quality over quantity, with an immigration system that works better for everyone — newcomers and Canadians.

Lena Metlege Diab’s Canada Immigration Priorities

Minister Diab’s main focus? Balance. She is moving toward:

• More support for racialised groups, women, and Francophone newcomers
• Increase investment in regional programs and category-based Express Entry
• Reduced reliance on temporary residents (targeting 5% of Canada’s population by 2026).
• Updated eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits, based on real labour demands.
• Increase Francophone immigration outside of Quebec.
• Improved pathways for refugees and vulnerable populations.

And yes — she wants it all backed by a modern, digital IRCC system that doesn’t feel like paperwork from the ‘90s.

What’s Changing and Why?

IRCC is rethinking the way it welcomes newcomers, not by closing the doors, but by making sure people land in communities that can actually support them.  This is not a pause, but a plan. Here is what stands out:

Fewer newcomers, smarter arrivals

Canada will gradually reduce permanent resident targets:

• 395,000 in 2025
• 380,000 in 2026
• 365,000 in 2027

Temporary immigration now under the microscope

Canada is implementing arrival limits for temporary residents (students and foreign workers) for the first time.

Imagine making plans for a party and managing a guest list; no one wants to deal with crowding.

Digital immigration services are getting an upgrade with technology

There is a new online portal replacing processes that provide real-time information. This will lead to less waiting and a clearer picture for users.

Key Numbers to Know

Permanent Immigration Mix by 2027

• 62%: Economic class
• 22%: Family reunification
• 15%: Refugees & protected persons
• 2%: Other categories

Temporary Resident Caps

• 673,650 in 2025
• 516,600 in 2026
• 543,600 in 2027

International Students

• Cost-of-living requirement set at $20,635 for 2024 (plus tuition & travel)

New Pilot

• Francophone Student Pilot to launch in 2025 — supporting French-speaking students outside Quebec.

What’s This Matter For You

This strategy isn’t about less immigration. It’s about better immigration.

The plan signals smoother processes, more support for integration, and stronger correspondence between immigration, Canada’s infrastructure and job market. This is immigration with foresight — and great surprises.

That’s where Abhinav Immigration Services comes in. Wherever you are aiming for Express Entry, study visa, or family sponsorship, we help you to understand which programs are best for you — and how to maintain eligibility as policies shift.  Abhinav draws on over 30 years of industry experience, and our fully trained team is engineered to stay ahead of change.

Final Take:  A Thoughtful Immigration Reset

Canada isn’t closing the gates — it’s building a sturdier bridge.

Minister Diab’s strategy represents a shift: one governed by data, digital tools, and real human needs. If you are thinking of moving, studying, or working in Canada, it is time to get informed and prepare seriously.