New Immigration Levels Reform for 2026-2028, Quebec Program Closures and Other November 2025 Canada Updates

Canada Reveals 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan Reforms

IRCC have unveiled their new immigration levels plan for the years 2026 to 2028.

In an official press release, the government have outlined their intention to “[take] back control over the immigration system” and bring immigration figures back to “sustainable levels” through revised immigration targets over permanent and temporary residence categories.

The details of the new plans are as follows:

• A new target of 380,000 permanent resident admissions per year for three years, down from 395,000 in 2025.
• An increase of the share of economic migrants from 59% to 64%.
• A new reduced target of temporary resident admissions: 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026, and 370,000 in 2027 and 2028.
  • Of these figures, around 230,000/220,000 admissions will be temporary workers, while around 155,000/150,000 will be students.
• A one-time initiative to streamline the transition to permanent residency for approximately 115,000 Protected Persons in Canada over the next two years.
• A one-time initiative to streamline the transition of up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residency over the next two years.

Overall, the new targets are said to keep permanent resident arrivals to less than 1% of the total population of Canada, while the number of temporary residents will be reduced to less than 5% of the population by the end of 2027.

Quebec Experience Program to Close, Sparking Protests and Criticisms

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is set to close to new applicants on 19 November 2025.

The closure of the program was announced last week. As a result of the retiring of the program, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) will now be the only viable pathway for applicants wishing to settle for economic reasons in Quebec.

The reasons given for the closure are due to “modernise” the province’s immigration systems and further encourage long-term goals of regional development and Francophone integration.

In addition to the closure, the government will also close three permanent immigration pilot programs on 1 January 2026, including those for food processing workers, workers in artificial intelligence, information technology, and visual effects.

News of the PEQ’s closure sparked criticism and protests from Quebec residents, including a protest held by the immigration advocacy group Le Québec c’est nous aussi (LQCNA) outside the Quebec Immigration Ministry’s office in Montreal and outside the National Assembly in Quebec City.

Claire Lunay, head of the LQCNA, stated: “Clearly, the government is prepared to tarnish Quebec’s reputation abroad and destroy the life plans of thousands of families here, simply to satisfy the anti-immigration sentiment it has cultivated among its voters.”

Indian Students Disproportionately Affected by Student Permit Crackdowns

A new report shows that study permit refusals for Indian students have risen sharply, more so than applications from any other country.

According to the report, around 74% of study permit applications from India were rejected in August 2025, compared to around only 32% from the previous year.

The average rate of refusals for study permit applications was around 40% in total, with countries such as China seeing a below-average rate of refusals of around 24%.

A number of reasons have been cited for the high refusal rates for Indian applications, including diplomatic tensions between the two countries and concerns over visa application fraud.

In 2023, nearly 1,150 study permit applications were found to be linked to fraudulent letters of acceptance, most of which originated from India.

A year later in 2024, over 14,000 potentially fraudulent letters of acceptance were detected as a result of more intensive verification checks.

The Indian embassy in Ottawa stated that while the issuance of study permits is Canada’s prerogative, “We would like to emphasize that some of the best quality students available in the world are from India, and Canadian institutions have in the past greatly benefited from the talent and academic excellence of these students.”

Special Measures for Sudanese Nationals in Canada Extended

Special measures to support Sudanese nationals in Canada have been extended.

Measures will now last beyond October 2025. Individuals eligible under these measures can continue to apply for new open work or study permits, or to extend their stays in Canada or change their temporary status without having to pay application fees.

Special measures for Sudanese nationals in Canada were first introduced in April 2023 to help support those affected by the conflicts and difficulties in Sudan.

In an official press release, IRCC stated: “Canada will continue to stand with the people of Sudan, offering protection and stability through these temporary measures and broader humanitarian efforts.”

How Can IAS Help With Your Canadian Immigration Application?

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Our CICC-qualified immigration consultants can help you with numerous facets of Canadian immigration, including skilled worker, family, student or provincial-based immigration.

We can also give close guidance and support on Express Entry and the CRS, helping you to maximise your chances of being accepted for one of Canada’s prestigious immigration programmes.

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