Canada’s immigration landscape continues to evolve as the federal government and provincial authorities adjust programs to respond to labour market needs, housing challenges, and long-term demographic goals. December 2025 brought several important updates that affect temporary workers, permanent residence applicants, international students, and employers. Here is a clear and comprehensive summary of the most recent developments.
1. Quebec Introduces New Rules for Temporary Foreign Workers (Effective December 17, 2025)
Quebec has announced significant changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for people working in Montréal and Laval.
Key Highlights:
1. Suspension of Certain LMIA Applications (Extended to December 31, 2026)
The Quebec government has extended the suspension of LMIA applications for certain low-wage occupations in Montréal and Laval.
This measure aims to:
- Reduce the number of non-permanent residents during the economic slowdown
- Prioritize workers already present in Quebec
- Better align hiring with regional labour needs
2. Introduction of French Requirement (Level 4 Spoken French)
A new rule adds a spoken French level 4 requirement for workers applying for a CAQ for work after accumulating three years in Quebec.
Important dates:
- Regulation effective: December 17, 2025
- Transition period: 3 years
- French-language verification begins: December 17, 2028
This means temporary foreign workers who renew their CAQ after 2028 will need to prove their French proficiency unless exempt.
2. IRCC Continues Modernizing Work Permit Processing
IRCC has confirmed ongoing improvements to digital processing, including:
- Increased automation for eligibility checks
- Faster processing for straightforward applications
- Expansion of e-documents and online verification
These steps align with the government’s long-term plan to reduce backlogs and improve applicant experience.
3. Express Entry: A Strong Focus on French-Speaking and Skilled Workers
Express Entry draws in late 2025 reflect a clear shift toward labour market shortages and language diversification.
Recent trends:
- Category-based draws increasingly target:
- French-speakers
- Healthcare professionals
- STEM occupations
- Trades and construction
- CRS cut-off scores remain competitive but fluctuate depending on category
- French-speaking candidates continue receiving significant advantages due to federal priorities
4. Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP) – 2026 Outlook
IRCC confirmed that the PGP will continue with an invitation-based system for 2026. The number of invitations will be aligned with processing capacity and sponsorship commitments.
Applicants should:
- Keep financial documentation up to date
- Monitor announcements early in 2026
- Ensure prior submissions (2020–2024 interest forms) remain accurate
5. International Students: Stricter Measures Expected in 2026
Canada continues to implement reforms to stabilize the international student program:
- Stricter eligibility for designated learning institutions
- Stronger proof-of-funds requirements
- More oversight to ensure alignment with labour market needs
- Ongoing discussions about post-graduation work permit (PGWP) reforms
Students applying for September 2026 intake should prepare for additional compliance measures.
6. Work Permit Extensions: Important Deadlines for Employers and Workers
With Quebec’s new regulations coming into effect, employers who need to renew their temporary workers should act early—especially if workers are approaching the 3-year mark in Quebec.
What employers must know:
- Applications submitted before December 17, 2025 follow the old CAQ/LMIA rules.
- Applications submitted after this date may fall under the transitional French-language requirements.
- Workers with more than 3 years in Quebec should prepare early for French testing.
Employers and consultants should plan renewals months in advance to avoid delays.
7. Outlook for 2026: A More Structured, Skills-Focused Immigration System
Canada’s immigration direction is becoming clearer:
- More targeted selection using category-based draws
- More emphasis on language, especially French inside Quebec
- Closer alignment between work permits and labour market needs
- Digital transformation to speed up processing
Despite policy changes, Canada remains committed to welcoming skilled workers, families, and genuine students who contribute to the country’s long-term growth.
Conclusion
The recent policy updates reflect Canada’s shifting economic and demographic priorities. Whether you are a worker, employer, student, or PR applicant, staying informed is crucial. The immigration system is evolving quickly, and timely action—especially for renewals and LMIA/CAQ applications—can make a significant difference.
If you need help navigating these changes, preparing documents, or assessing eligibility, our team at Immigration Canada Services (ICS) is here to assist.
