For many years, Canada has been viewed as a land of opportunity by thousands of Filipinos seeking a better future. International students invested heavily in their education with the hope of eventually becoming permanent residents. Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) filled labour shortages across Canada, while employers relied on foreign workers to sustain their businesses.
Today, however, Canada’s immigration landscape has changed dramatically.
The federal government has shifted its focus from expanding temporary immigration to reducing it. The objective is no longer simply to welcome more temporary residents but to restore what the government describes as a “sustainable immigration system.”
For Filipinos already in Canada—or those planning to come—understanding these changes has never been more important.
Canada’s Goal: Fewer Temporary Residents
The Government of Canada has announced one of the most significant immigration policy shifts in recent history.
Under IRCC’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government aims to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population to less than five percent of the total population by the end of 2027.
To achieve this objective, IRCC has significantly reduced the number of new temporary residents it plans to admit.
For 2026, Canada plans to welcome:
- 230,000 temporary workers
- 155,000 international students
These numbers represent a substantial reduction compared with previous targets. Student arrivals alone have been reduced by almost 49% compared with earlier planning levels, while temporary worker arrivals have also been significantly reduced.
The government’s strategy is clear: stabilize population growth, ease pressure on housing, healthcare, education, and other public services while placing greater emphasis on transitioning qualified individuals already in Canada to permanent residence.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The policy changes are already producing measurable results.
According to IRCC data, Canada recorded only about 11,195 new international student arrivalsduring the first quarter of 2026 compared with approximately 53,660 during the same period in 2024—a decline of nearly 79 percent.
New temporary worker arrivals also fell dramatically, from approximately 139,405 to 36,245, representing a decline of roughly 74 percent.
Arrivals under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program decreased by about 60 percent, while arrivals under the International Mobility Program dropped by approximately 76 percent.
These are not ordinary fluctuations—they reflect deliberate government policy.
Temporary Foreign Workers Face New Challenges
Many Filipinos come to Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Unfortunately, obtaining an LMIA has become considerably more difficult.
Service Canada now applies greater scrutiny to LMIA applications, particularly those under the Low-Wage Stream.
Among the significant policy changes is the 10% cap on low-wage temporary foreign workers at each work location for most employers. This means many businesses that previously relied on foreign workers may no longer qualify to hire additional TFWs.
In addition, employers located in Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) with unemployment rates of 6% or higher remain subject to the Refusal to Process (RTP) policy for many low-wage occupations unless they qualify for the exemption.
For employers, this means:
- More comprehensive recruitment requirements;
- Greater documentation of labour shortages;
- Increased examination of business operations;
- Careful assessment of wages and working conditions;
- More questions regarding why Canadians or permanent residents could not be hired.
Simply submitting an application is no longer sufficient. Employers must now provide compelling evidence that hiring a foreign worker is genuinely necessary.
Visitor Visas Are Receiving Greater Scrutiny
Visitor visa applications are also being examined more carefully.
IRCC officers continue to assess whether applicants are genuine temporary residents who will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
Applicants should expect officers to carefully evaluate:
- financial capacity;
- travel history;
- employment stability;
- ties to Canada and ties to home country;
- purpose of travel;
- immigration history; and
- overall credibility of the application.
Weak documentation or poorly prepared applications are more likely to result in refusals than in previous years.
While Canada continues to issue visitor visas, applicants should recognize that approvals are not automatic, and strong supporting evidence has become increasingly important.
International Students Face a Different Reality
International students have perhaps experienced the greatest policy changes.
The federal government has reduced study permit allocations, tightened Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility for certain programs, and introduced additional restrictions affecting accompanying spouses.
Students should no longer assume that studying in Canada automatically leads to permanent residence.
Success now depends upon:
- selecting an eligible program;
- studying in an institution that supports long-term immigration objectives;
- obtaining skilled Canadian work experience;
- improving English or French language proficiency;
- carefully planning permanent residence options before graduation.
Immigration planning should begin before arriving in Canada—not after finishing school.
Employers Must Prepare for Greater Scrutiny
Canadian employers should also recognize that the immigration environment has changed.
Service Canada now expects employers to demonstrate that:
- genuine labour shortages exist;
- recruitment efforts were meaningful and extensive;
- Canadians and permanent residents were given every reasonable opportunity;
- wages are competitive;
- working conditions comply with provincial legislation;
- the business is financially stable;
- hiring a foreign worker is justified.
Every LMIA application is assessed on its own merits.
There is no guarantee of approval, even for employers with previous successful applications.
Advice for Filipinos Already in Canada
If you currently hold temporary status in Canada, now is the time to prepare—not panic.
Consider the following:
- Maintain valid immigration status at all times.
- Plan your permanent residence pathway early.
- Improve your English or French language scores.
- Gain skilled Canadian work experience whenever possible.
- Keep all employment and tax records.
- Seek professional advice before your permit expires.
- Do not rely on social media rumours or misinformation.
Most importantly, avoid making life decisions based on assumptions. Immigration policies continue to evolve, and every individual’s circumstances are different.
Advice for Filipinos Planning to Come to Canada
Canada remains one of the world’s leading immigration destinations.
However, it is no longer accurate to believe that obtaining a study permit or work permit automatically leads to permanent residence.
Before investing significant amounts of money, prospective applicants should carefully evaluate:
- whether their chosen pathway aligns with current immigration priorities;
- employment opportunities in their intended occupation;
- provincial immigration programs;
- financial preparedness; and
- realistic expectations regarding permanent residence.
Coming to Canada should be part of a long-term strategy—not simply a hope that opportunities will eventually appear.
Final Thoughts
Canada is not closing its doors.
Rather, it is becoming more selective.
The country continues to welcome immigrants, skilled workers, international students and families. What has changed is the level of competition and the government’s expectation that every application demonstrates genuine merit and aligns with Canada’s economic priorities.
For Filipinos, the message is simple.
Preparation matters more than ever.
Those who understand the changing immigration landscape, maintain legal status, strengthen their qualifications, and plan strategically will continue to find opportunities in Canada.
Although the pathway has become narrower, it remains open for those who are informed, prepared, and willing to adapt to Canada’s new immigration reality.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ESDC
Contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com
A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain, or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of CICC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.
