Mark Carney, the anticipated next Prime Minister of Canada, has outlined a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy. His approach attempts to strike a balance between maintaining economic growth and ensuring that newcomers have the necessary resources, such as housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. While he recognizes the role of immigration in driving the economy, he is also critical of the current system’s ability to accommodate an influx of newcomers.

A Proposed Immigration Cap

One of the most debated aspects of Carney’s immigration plan is the proposal to cap immigration levels until they return to a “sustainable pre-pandemic trend.” According to policy documents released in February 2025, Carney suggests that recent years have seen immigration numbers that Canada was not prepared to support. He argues that the country has admitted more newcomers than it can house, employ, and integrate effectively.

This stance aligns with recent steps taken by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which in October 2024 announced a 20% reduction in new permanent resident (PR) admissions compared to the previous year. For the first time, Canada also introduced caps on temporary resident (TR) admissions, including limits on international students and temporary foreign workers.

However, Carney has not provided specific numbers regarding how many PRs and TRs would be admitted under his administration. His statements suggest a shift towards a more controlled immigration approach, though the exact policy details remain unclear.

Prioritization of Temporary Residents for PR

Carney has expressed support for transitioning temporary residents into permanent residents before significantly increasing immigration levels. He suggests that Canada should focus on integrating the 4+ million newcomers who have arrived in recent years before expanding the system further.

This aligns with IRCC’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, which introduced an “In-Canada Focus” category, allocating 82,980 PR spots in 2025 to individuals already in Canada as temporary residents. This policy shift reflects a broader strategy of stabilizing the immigration system while ensuring that those already in the country have a clear path to permanent residency.

Reducing the Influx of Temporary Foreign Workers

Carney has been vocal about reducing the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Canada. He acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased reliance on TFWs due to labor shortages, but he argues that the system has since lost control of admissions.

Under IRCC’s new immigration framework, net new TFWP work permits are capped at 82,000 annually for 2025-2027, while International Mobility Program (IMP) permits will decrease significantly from 285,750 in 2025 to 128,700 in 2026. These measures are expected to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population by 445,000 per year in both 2025 and 2026 through PR transitions and status expirations.

Addressing Canada’s Overreliance on International Students

Although Carney has not explicitly endorsed further restrictions on international students, he has raised concerns about Canadian postsecondary institutions’ dependence on international student tuition fees.

Due to reduced provincial funding, many universities have become financially dependent on international tuition. With the introduction of a federal cap on international students in 2024, several institutions—including Seneca College, Sheridan College, and the University of Waterloo—have faced budget deficits, layoffs, and program closures.

Carney has proposed increasing government funding to educational institutions to help reduce their reliance on international students while maintaining a strong and sustainable postsecondary education system.

The Housing Crisis and Immigration

A major pillar of Carney’s immigration policy is addressing the housing crisis. He argues that Canada’s current housing stock has not kept pace with rapid population growth. His campaign promises to “supercharge Canada’s housing plan” by increasing investment in the construction industry and expanding training programs for skilled trades.

These efforts align with existing government initiatives, such as new PR pathways for construction workers. However, it remains to be seen whether Carney would support direct federal funding for public housing, an approach Canada largely abandoned in the 1990s.

Immigration and Canadian Identity

Despite advocating for a more controlled immigration policy, Carney has reiterated the importance of immigration for Canada’s national identity. He emphasizes that Canada has historically been a country built by immigrants and continues to integrate newcomers successfully.

When asked whether Canada can afford a pro-immigration policy, Carney responded, “The short answer is yes we can – and arguably, we can’t afford not to.”

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

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Conclusion

Mark Carney’s immigration policy aims to balance economic growth with sustainable integration. His proposed cap on immigration, prioritization of temporary residents for PR, and reduction of temporary foreign worker admissions reflect a shift toward a more measured approach.

As these policies unfold, individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada must stay informed and work with experienced professionals like ICC Immigration to navigate the changing landscape. Whether you’re looking to secure PR, obtain a work permit, or bring your family to Canada, ICC Immigration is here to provide expert guidance and support.

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