Policy changes behind the charts.

1. January 1, 2015Express Entry launches

   Express Entry starts managing applications for the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class, plus part of the PNP. See the data.

2. March 1, 2017Atlantic Immigration Pilot opens

   Employer-driven pilot for the four Atlantic provinces; made permanent as the Atlantic Immigration Program in 2022. See the data.

3. March 18, 2020COVID-19 border restrictions

   Travel restrictions sharply cut arrivals; 2020 admissions fell to about 184,000. See the data.

4. February 13, 2021Large Canadian Experience Class draw

   Express Entry invites 27,332 candidates in one CEC round, then pauses most all-program draws until July 2022. See the data.

5. May 6, 2021Temporary resident to permanent resident pathway

   One-time pathway for essential workers and international graduates already in Canada; 2021 admissions passed 400,000. See the data.

6. March 25, 2023Safe Third Country Agreement extended

   The agreement with the United States now applies along the whole land border, including irregular crossings such as Roxham Road. See the data.

7. June 28, 2023First category-based Express Entry rounds

   IRCC starts inviting candidates by occupation and French-language ability. See the data.

8. January 22, 2024Cap on study permit applications

   IRCC caps new study permit applications for two years; most students also need a provincial attestation letter. See the data.

9. March 21, 2024Target to reduce temporary residents

   The government announces a goal to bring temporary residents down to 5% of the population. See the data.

10. October 24, 20242025-2027 levels plan cuts targets

    Permanent resident target cut to 395,000 for 2025 (from 485,000 in 2024); temporary residents included in the plan for the first time. See the data.

11. November 1, 2024PGWP field-of-study and language rules

    New post-graduation work permit applicants (outside degrees) need a field of study linked to shortages and language test results. See the data.

12. January 21, 2025Spousal open work permits narrowed

    Open work permits for spouses of students and workers limited to fewer programs and occupations. See the data.

13. March 25, 2025Job offer points removed from Express Entry

    Arranged employment no longer adds CRS points. See the data.

14. November 4, 20252026-2028 levels plan

    Permanent resident target held at 380,000 a year; lower caps on new temporary residents. See the data.

Dates are the dates rules took effect or were announced, from IRCC news releases and program pages. This timeline describes past changes; it does not predict future policy.