Canada Immigration policies are changing. The country is updating its immigration system, and the changes are noticeable. Instead of bringing in large numbers of newcomers at once, the government now wants steadier, more controlled growth.
This means more rules, tighter checks and stricter visa cancellation policies. The new 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan highlights this change.
In this blog, we will walk through the key changes, what they mean for students and workers and how they could shape Canada’s immigration system in the coming years.
Key Takeaways
- Canada is cutting temporary resident numbers and tightening visa rules.
- Visas can now be cancelled easily for non-compliance or fraud.
- Immigration focus shifts to high-skill, long-term applicants.
- Indian applicants face stricter checks and higher rejection rates.
Read: In-Demand Jobs For Immigrants In Canada
Canada Immigration New Rules – Why the Change in Immigration Policy
In recent years, a large number of temporary residents have come to Canada, including students, workers, and visitors.
While this has helped the economy, it has also added pressure on housing, schools and healthcare. To deal with this, the government is reducing the number of temporary residents and focusing more on long-term, permanent immigration.
The goal is to keep temporary residents below 5% of Canada’s total population by 2027. At the same time, Canada will continue to accept permanent residents in a steady and planned way. This approach helps the country grow without putting too much strain on public services.
Read: 6 Easy Ways to Migrate to Canada
Canada Immigration New Rules – Stricter Visa Rules
Canada has made visa rules stricter, especially for visitors, students and temporary workers.
Visas can be cancelled
Immigration officers can now cancel visas even after they have been issued. For example, a student’s study permit is only valid if they stay enrolled in an approved school, attend classes, keep up with studies, and follow work limits.
A student visa can be cancelled if:
- The student does not attend enough classes.
- They reduce their study load without permission.
- They work more hours than allowed.
Schools affect student visas
A school’s status matters. If a school loses its official approval or issues fake acceptance letters, students may lose their permits.
New law: Bill C-12
The government is reviewing Bill C-12, which could give immigration officers more power to prevent fraud and deport those who break the rules.
Canada Immigration New Rules – Immigration Plan 2026–2028
The most notable part of the 2026–2028 immigration plan is the big cut in new temporary residents. The goal is to reduce the temporary population to under 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.
Here are the key numbers from Canada’s new plan:
| Type | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Residents | 3,80,000 | 3,80,000 | 3,80,000 |
| Temporary Residents | 3,85,000 | 3,70,000 | 3,70,000 |
| Workers | 2,30,000 | 2,20,000 | 2,20,000 |
| Students | 1,55,000 | 1,50,000 | 1,50,000 |
Canada Immigration -Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Canada is now paying more attention to who comes in, not just how many.
- Students and workers who meet Canada’s labour needs, especially in rural or underserved areas, are prioritised.
- Trusted institutions or schools with good compliance and transparent practices are favoured.
- Some temporary workers will be able to become permanent residents, especially those in healthcare, construction and technology.
This approach ensures that new immigrants contribute to the country’s economy and society.
Canada Immigration New Rules – Impact on Indian Applicants
India is one of the biggest sources of students and workers for Canada. The new policy will affect Indian applicants in several ways:
- Higher visa rejections: In August 2025, about 74% of Indian study permit applications were rejected, up from around 32% in 2023.
- Fraud concerns: Fake acceptance letters are one reason for stricter checks.
- Fewer opportunities: With the number of study permits or admissions cut nearly in half, fewer students may be able to go to Canada.
This means Indian applicants need to prepare stronger applications and choose trusted schools to improve their chances.
Why Canada is Making these Changes
Canada is making these changes for the following reasons:
- Sustainability: Canada is limiting the number of temporary residents to make sure its housing, healthcare and education systems don’t get overloaded. The aim is to keep services running smoothly, reduce fraud in the system and bring in people who match the country’s real job needs.
- Prevent fraud: There has been a rise in issues like fake school acceptance letters and people staying longer than allowed. Canada is tightening rules to keep its immigration system honest and trustworthy.
- Smarter workforce selection: Instead of allowing large numbers of temporary residents without a clear plan, Canada wants to bring in people who can help in areas where workers are truly needed.
- Long-term planning: By keeping permanent residency numbers steady, Canada aims to help newcomers settle successfully. This also makes it easier to plan for things like transportation, schools, healthcare and community development.
Challenges and Criticisms of Canada’s Immigration Policy Changes
While these changes are meant to be strategic, they come with some challenges:
- Student numbers: Cutting student permits sharply could hurt schools and universities that rely on international students.
- Labour shortages: Industries like farming, elder care and construction may struggle without enough temporary workers.
- Uncertainty for migrants: With the risk of visas being revoked, temporary residents might feel insecure, which could discourage future applicants.
Despite these challenges, the government believes the benefits of a controlled and stable immigration system outweigh the risks.
Conclusion
Canada’s immigration policy for 2026–2028 is focusing on stability and control. Temporary visas will be harder to get and easier to lose if rules are broken, while permanent immigration will continue steadily.
Canada is still open to immigrants, but the process is now more selective. Understanding the new rules will help applicants come to Canada successfully.
Meta: Canada Immigration is changing with stricter visa rules, reduced temporary residents, and a more selective intake plan for 2026–2028. Learn how the new policies impact you.
Also Read
- How To Get A Work Permit To Canada?
- The 10 Best Part-Time Jobs In Canada For Students
- What Is The Cost Of Living In Canada?
- Tax Filing In Canada For International Students – Do You Need To File Tax?
