August 11, 2025
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s 2025–26 Departmental Plan
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its 2025–26 Departmental Plan, outlining strategic priorities and funding commitments to support its immigration, refugee, and citizenship programs over the coming year.
Key Highlights:
- Enhancing Client Service and Efficiency
IRCC continues to focus on reducing processing times and improving client experience. Investments in digital tools, automation, and streamlined application systems aim to create more transparent and user-friendly processes.
- Economic Immigration Growth
Building on the previous year’s Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC is committed to supporting economic recovery and growth through:
- An increased emphasis on the Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP);
- Expansion of category-based selection criteria targeting sectors facing acute labour shortages (e.g., healthcare);
- Streamlining pathways for temporary workers to transition to permanent residence.
- Support for Refugees and Vulnerable Populations
Canada will maintain its global leadership in refugee resettlement, with plans to welcome over 76,000 refugees and protected persons in 2025. Continued collaboration with partners will help address humanitarian crises and provide resettlement support.
- Modernizing Citizenship Processes
Efforts are underway to simplify and digitize the citizenship application process, improve access for marginalized groups, and promote civic awareness across the country.
Budget and Outlook
For 2025–26, IRCC plans to spend approximately $5.79 billion, a modest decrease from the 2024–25 forecast of $6.57 billion.[1] This budget supports key activities across immigration processing, refugee resettlement, citizenship programs, and service modernization. It will support the ongoing Digital Platform Modernization initiative and operational improvements across all service lines.
Conclusion
IRCC’s 2025–26 Departmental Plan reflects a commitment to modernizing immigration systems while meeting Canada’s economic and humanitarian goals. As policy and program updates roll out, individuals and employers should stay informed to align their plans accordingly.
At Bellissimo Law Group, we continue to monitor these developments and support clients in navigating the evolving immigration landscape. Should you have any questions about how the Departmental Plan may affect your case or application strategy, do not hesitate to contact our office.
Lijing Cao
Lijing Cao’s practice encompasses a broad range of Canadian immigration matters, including all categories of work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program, labour market impact assessments, citizenship applications, study permits, temporary resident visas, and family sponsorships. She advises business owners, international students, and skilled workers on strategic pathways to permanent residence, including provincial nominee programs and Express Entry. She also provides guidance to mid‑sized and multinational corporations on workforce mobility, employer compliance, and labour‑shortage solutions.
Lijing is a regular contributor to leading publications focused on Canadian immigration law and policy. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Hong Kong. She is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese.