Mark Carney, the next Prime Minister of Canada, has outlined a strategic immigration agenda that balances economic growth with sustainability. His policies reflect a shift towards a more regulated immigration system, aiming to address key concerns such as housing shortages, labor market demands, and the overreliance on international students.
A Proposed Cap on Immigration
Carney has proposed a cap on immigration levels to align with Canada’s housing, healthcare, and job market capacities. His plan aims to return immigration numbers to pre-pandemic levels, ensuring that infrastructure and social services can adequately support newcomers. While he has not specified exact figures, this policy suggests a more measured approach compared to recent years.
Prioritizing Temporary Residents for Permanent Residency
Carney’s focus is on integrating the four million temporary residents who have arrived in Canada over the last few years. This aligns with current federal policies, such as the 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, which prioritizes transitioning temporary residents to permanent status. The plan includes an “In-Canada Focus” category that targets 82,980 PR admissions in 2025, ensuring that those already contributing to Canada’s economy can secure long-term residency.
Reining in Temporary Foreign Worker Admissions
Carney has acknowledged that Canada admitted an unsustainable number of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in response to labor shortages during the pandemic. His policy intends to regulate this influx by ensuring better oversight. The 2025 Immigration Levels Plan has already set limits on net new work permits, maintaining 82,000 new TFWP permits per year through 2027 while reducing permits under the International Mobility Program from 285,750 in 2025 to 128,700 in 2026.
Addressing the Over-Reliance on International Student Tuition Fees
Carney has voiced concerns about Canada’s postsecondary institutions depending heavily on international student tuition due to stagnant provincial funding. While he has not explicitly proposed capping international student admissions, he advocates for increased government funding to reduce this dependency. This aligns with recent policy changes, such as the federal cap on study permits, which has already impacted institutions, leading to budget cuts and program closures.
Tackling the Housing Crisis
Carney’s campaign promises to “supercharge Canada’s housing plan” by expanding training and apprenticeship programs for skilled trades to boost the construction workforce. His policy complements recent federal initiatives aimed at addressing labor shortages in the construction sector, including new immigration pathways for construction workers.
Immigration’s Role in Canada’s National Identity
Despite advocating for more regulated immigration, Carney strongly supports the role of immigrants in shaping Canada’s economic and cultural landscape. He has emphasized that Canada’s history is built on immigration and that integrating newcomers effectively remains crucial for national growth.
What’s Next for Carney?
Carney is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister soon, but his tenure may be short-lived if opposition parties trigger an early election. While his policies indicate a shift towards more controlled immigration, much will depend on political developments in the coming months.
How ICC Immigration Can Help
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, understanding these policy shifts is crucial. At ICC Immigration, we provide expert guidance on navigating the evolving immigration landscape. Whether you’re a temporary resident looking for PR pathways or an employer seeking foreign talent, our team is here to assist. Contact us today for personalized immigration solutions!