Canada’s Immigration Landscape – August 2025: What’s Changing?

Group of smiling people standing outdoors with a Canadian flag in the background, representing immigration to Canada in 2025.

Canada’s Immigration Landscape – August 2025: What’s Changing?

Canada’s August 2025 immigration updates—permanent residency and temporary resident targets, study permit cap, family open work permit rules, PGWP eligibility changes, Atlantic proof-of-funds, EMPP status, and the Strong Borders Act—explained for immigrants, employers, and policymakers, with official IRCC and Parliament sources.

Curianic

August 16, 2025

3–5 minutes

Atlantic Program, Bill C-2, Canada Immigration, EMPP, Immigration News, Immigration Updates, IRCC, PR Canada, Study Permits, Work Permits

Introduction:

Canada’s immigration policies don’t just shape who can work or study here — they influence the country’s culture, communities, and even the travel experience. In August 2025, the Government of Canada announced a wave of changes that will affect everyone from future permanent residents to international students, skilled workers, and employers. Whether you’re planning to settle in Canada, hire global talent, or simply understand the cultural shifts that immigration brings, this guide walks you through each update with official IRCC and Parliament sources.

1. Permanent Residency (PR) & Temporary Resident Targets (2025–2027)

Permanent Residency (PR) – immigration status granting the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely.

Targets: 395,000 (2025), 380,000 (2026), 365,000 (2027).
Temporary resident targets now included for the first time to help manage overall growth.
Economic immigration will remain ~62% of admissions.
Francophone immigration outside Quebec target rising from 8.5% (2025) to 10% (2027).
Reference: Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027 – IRCC

2. International Students: 2025 National Cap

Designated Learning Institution (DLI) – a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

Cap: 437,000 new study permits in 2025 (~10% below 2024).
Allocations distributed to provinces and territories based on DLI capacity.
Reference: Study in Canada – IRCC

3. Family Open Work Permits (Spouses) – Rules Tightened (Jan 21, 2025)

Open Work Permit (OWP) – allows the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada without a job offer.

Spouses of foreign workers: Only eligible if principal worker is in TEER 0–1 or certain TEER 2–3 shortage occupations, and has ≥16 months left on their work permit.
Spouses of students: Only eligible if principal student is in a master’s (16+ months), PhD, or selected professional program.
Dependent children of workers: No longer eligible under the family OWP measure.
Reference: Family Open Work Permits – IRCC

4. International Experience Canada (IEC): Extensions & Changes

International Experience Canada (IEC) – a program for youth from partner countries to work and travel in Canada.

IEC participants can extend or change conditions via paper application in certain cases (e.g., passport renewal affecting permit validity).
Reference: IEC – IRCC: Extend your participation or change your IEC work permit

5. PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit): Field-of-Study Updates

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – a permit for international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions.

PGWP-eligible field-of-study list updated; those who applied before June 25, 2025 remain under the old list.
Reference: PGWP – IRCC

6. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Proof of Funds

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – an employer-driven program to attract and retain skilled workers in Atlantic Canada.

Proof-of-funds amounts updated July 2025; based on 12.5% of the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO).
Reference: AIP – IRCC: Atlantic Immigration Program: Proof of funds

7. EMPP (Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot): Status in 2025

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) – connects skilled refugees/displaced persons with Canadian employers.

In 2025, Federal EMPP streams reached their annual cap and closed; Regional EMPP streams remain open.
Reference: EMPP – IRCC: Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot

8. “Strong Borders Act” (Bill C-2) – Proposed Legislation

Bill C-2 – proposed June 3, 2025; at second reading in the House of Commons.

Would give IRCC powers to suspend classes of applications, cancel documents in the public interest, and impose stricter ineligibility rules for refugee claims.
Reference: Bill C-2 – Parliament of Canada: LEGISinfo: Bill C-2 (Strong Borders Act)

Quick Reference Table – August 2025 Changes

Area	Confirmed Update
PR & Temporary Resident Targets	395k (2025) → 380k (2026) → 365k (2027); temp-resident targets included.
International Students	Cap 437k new permits in 2025; allocations via DLIs.
Family OWP (Spouses)	Narrowed to TEER 0–1 + selected TEER 2–3 jobs; master’s/PhD/select programs.
IEC Extensions	Paper-application process for certain changes.
PGWP	Updated eligible field-of-study list; pre-June 25 2025 keep old list.
Atlantic Immigration	Proof-of-funds now 12.5% of LICO.
EMPP	Federal streams capped; regional streams open.
Bill C-2	Proposed law; expands IRCC enforcement powers.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s August 2025 immigration updates reflect a shift toward more targeted growth, stricter eligibility rules, and stronger oversight. For newcomers, early preparation and a clear understanding of program requirements will be key. Employers can benefit from new talent pathways, while policymakers will watch how these measures balance economic needs with cultural diversity.