The Canadian federal government has designated 40% of the permanent residency slots for 2025 to individuals currently residing in Canada. As outlined in the latest Immigration Levels Plan from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), almost half of the anticipated spaces for new permanent residents next year will be allocated to a new priority group within Express Entry, referred to as the In-Canada Focus category. This allocation translates to approximately 82,980 admission spaces earmarked specifically for this category in 2025.
Who is eligible for selection under the In-Canada Focus category?
According to the most recent Immigration Levels Plan, the In-Canada Focus category encompasses candidates from the following programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program targets individuals who have already gained work experience in Canada and wish to apply for permanent residency.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is designed for skilled workers from outside Canada who have the necessary qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This program is aimed at individuals who are qualified in a skilled trade and wish to become permanent residents.
- Various Regional Immigration Pathways: This includes programs specific to certain provinces or territories that cater to local labor market needs.
Candidates from these programs who possess eligible Express Entry profiles at the time of an immigration draw may be prioritized for receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR).
Is the In-Canada Focus Category expected to remain in Canada’s Express Entry System?
Although the duration of the In-Canada Focus category within the Express Entry system remains uncertain, IRCC has detailed its plans for this specific group over the next three years. From 2025 to 2027, the immigration department aims to admit the following numbers of immigrants under the In-Canada Focus category:
- In 2025, the target is set at 82,980, with a possible range of 39,000 to 89,000.
- In 2026, the goal is 75,380, with an estimated range of 33,000 to 82,000.
- In 2027, the target is 70,930, with a range between 66,000 and 76,000.
Reasons for IRCC’s Dedication to the In-Canada Focus Category
Canada’s immigration system has undergone significant changes this year as the federal government strives to balance immigration levels with the domestic challenges faced by Canadians. In light of this, IRCC has pledged to reduce the share of Non-permanent Residents (NPRs) in Canada—including those holding work and study permits—from the current 7% to 5% of the total population by 2026. A key strategy to achieve this goal involves facilitating the transition of NPRs already in Canada to permanent residency.
Moreover, Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated on March 21, 2024, “We will increase domestic draws and encourage provinces and territories involved in the Provincial Nominee Program to do the same as part of our efforts to transition temporary residents to permanent status.”
Prior to the announcement of the In-Canada Focus category, IRCC had already started prioritizing candidates from this group for Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This shift became apparent through the department’s increased focus on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws within the Express Entry system beginning in July. As early as March, Minister Miller indicated a commitment to prioritizing “domestic” candidates for permanent residency through the federal immigration system.
Miller’s strategy aims to meet annual immigration targets while addressing affordability and housing challenges. By transitioning newcomers already living in Canada from temporary to permanent residency, the Minister intends to select qualified candidates who can contribute positively to the economy and labor market without intensifying the issues associated with a growing population.
