The latest Immigration Levels Plan from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) places a significant focus on candidates already residing in Canada. For 2025, 40% of permanent residency spots—equating to 82,980 admissions—are reserved for those within Canadian borders, with a newly created Express Entry priority group called the “In-Canada Focus” category.
This special category includes candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and other regional immigration pathways. Individuals in these groups, as long as they maintain eligible Express Entry profiles, are now prioritized to receive invitations to apply for permanent residency.
The In-Canada Focus category has been outlined in IRCC’s projections through 2027, with plans to admit 75,380 individuals in 2026 and 70,930 in 2027. These targets are subject to annual revisions, typically confirmed each November.
The IRCC’s rationale behind this shift stems from a need to balance immigration targets with Canada’s economic and social pressures. In a move to address affordability, housing, and other resource constraints, the government aims to reduce the percentage of Non-Permanent Residents (NPRs) in Canada by transitioning a larger number of them to permanent status. According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, inviting more domestic candidates helps meet immigration quotas while managing the challenges of integrating new populations.
This change reflects a strategic emphasis on securing qualified individuals already contributing to the Canadian economy and workforce, ensuring that the immigration system aligns with Canada’s current economic and housing priorities.