On May 12, 2025, the UK government announced a wave of tough immigration reforms that promise to tighten rules across all streams—from skilled worker visas to asylum and international student programs. As UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer moves to gain stronger control over migration, Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney also begins his term amid rising public pressure to manage immigration more sustainably.
While no Canadian reforms have been announced yet, the same day saw a high-level dialogue between Carney and Starmer. With both countries facing economic pressures, housing crises, and shifting public sentiment, many wonder: Will Canada follow the UK’s lead?
Let’s explore what these UK reforms mean for Canada and whether Ottawa may adopt similar strategies to reshape its immigration framework.
Potential UK-Inspired Immigration Changes Canada Might Consider
Canada’s immigration system is fundamentally different from the UK’s, but a few policy ideas may cross borders. Here’s a breakdown of possible adjustments Canada may explore based on the UK’s new reforms:
1. Raising the Bar for Skilled Immigration
UK Action: The UK now requires degree-level qualifications for skilled worker visas.
Possible Canadian Shift:
- Increase CRS score cut-offs for Express Entry.
- Make degree-level education mandatory for certain streams.
- Align with the 2025–2027 plan to attract top-tier talent in healthcare, tech, and engineering.
2. Employer Responsibility in Workforce Development
UK Action: Employers in key sectors must invest in domestic training to reduce dependency on foreign workers.
Canadian Outlook:
- TFWP reforms could require proof of Canadian workforce development plans.
- Employers may need to offer upskilling opportunities to locals before hiring foreign talent.
3. Stricter Rules for International Students
UK Action: Reduced post-study work visas and stricter college compliance thresholds.
Canada’s Possible Route:
- Trim PGWP duration from 3 years to 18–24 months.
- Increase scrutiny of institutions’ enrollment and graduation rates.
- Build on 2025’s international student permit cap.
4. Language Requirements for All Applicants—Including Dependents
UK Action: Higher English proficiency standards for skilled migrants and dependents.
Canadian Possibilities:
- Increase minimum CLB levels for economic immigration.
- Introduce basic English/French requirements for accompanying family members.
- Improve long-term integration outcomes through early language training.
5. Fixing the Refugee Backlog
UK Action: Faster deportation and streamlined asylum processes.
Canada’s Challenge: Over 260,000 pending refugee claims by the end of 2024.
Reform Ideas:
- Consider “last-in, first-out” processing model.
- Prioritize claims with historically high acceptance rates.
- Accelerate decision timelines without compromising protection obligations.
6. Attracting Global Talent Through Specialized Streams
UK Action: New visa programs for global experts in key industries.
Canada’s Advantage:
- Expand the Global Talent Stream further.
- Introduce fast-track Express Entry streams for AI, green energy, and critical R&D fields.
- Prioritize international professionals already recognized by top global institutions.
What the UK is Doing That Canada Likely Won’t
While some reforms might be mirrored, several of the UK’s new rules stand in direct contrast with Canada’s values:
| UK Reform | Why Canada Likely Won’t Follow |
| Double the time to permanent settlement | Canada encourages PR within 3–5 years |
| Closing down social care visa stream | Canada supports Caregivers via PR path |
| Visa restrictions by nationality | Canada follows a non-discriminatory model |
| Separate UNHCR refugee work permits | Canada already resettles refugees with rights |
Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act emphasizes fairness, multiculturalism, and humanitarian values. Drastic restrictions would likely face opposition from the legal, academic, and civil sectors.
Public Sentiment May Still Pressure Policy Change
Recent surveys show that 60% of Canadians believe immigration levels are too high. Combined with housing challenges and rising inflation, there is pressure on the federal government to rethink how many newcomers Canada can realistically support in the short term.
That’s why the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan already reflects a more cautious approach, with immigration targets lowered from 500,000 in 2024 to 395,000 in 2025. Mark Carney’s economic background, including his years as Governor of the Bank of England, could further influence data-driven, pragmatic policy shifts.
Will Canada Reshape Its Immigration Strategy?
The future of Canadian immigration policies now hinges on key questions:
- Can the system remain generous yet sustainable?
- How do we balance labour shortages with integration capacity?
- What’s the best way to manage refugee backlogs while upholding international obligations?
The newly strengthened relationship between Canada and the UK, marked by recent talks and an upcoming royal visit, may encourage policy alignment. But Canadian reforms will likely remain moderate and uniquely tailored to its immigration goals.
As policymakers weigh new decisions, one thing is clear: immigration in Canada is evolving. Whether Canada mirrors the UK’s approach or charts its own path, changes are coming.
Canadian Immigration Policies Could See a Shift—but on Its Own Terms
Canada will likely take lessons from the UK’s new model, but it won’t copy it wholesale. Any upcoming reforms to Canadian immigration policies will need to reflect Canada’s economic realities, humanitarian values, and long-standing reputation as one of the world’s most immigrant-friendly nations.
With Mark Carney now at the helm, change is expected—but the shape and speed of that change will be uniquely Canadian. Stay tuned with ImmigCanada for the latest immigration insights, policy updates, and expert analysis on what these developments mean for you.
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