Existing residents to be prioritized for permanent status, Immigration Minister says

Immigration Minister Lena Diab says that people already living in Canada will be given priority in the country’s pathway to permanent residency. Her comments come after the federal budget confirmed a freeze on annual permanent resident targets but added that several one-time programs will increase the total number of people gaining status.

The government plans to welcome about 115,000 refugees for permanent settlement over the next two years, on top of the regular immigration targets. This includes individuals who are already in Canada under temporary or emergency programs. The aim is to reduce backlogs and provide stability for those who have been living, studying, or working here while waiting for status decisions.
While overall immigration levels will not rise beyond existing targets, the minister emphasized that the focus will shift to converting temporary residents into permanent ones. This includes international students, foreign workers, and people who arrived through humanitarian pathways.
The approach reflects the government’s attempt to manage population growth pressures — especially on housing, services and infrastructure — while recognizing the contributions of those who are already part of Canadian communities.

Critics, however, say the plan may still leave gaps in labour needs and could slow down applications from people trying to immigrate from abroad. Supporters argue the policy provides fairness and stability to individuals who have built lives in Canada and are waiting for long-term security.