Shifting Preference: Applicants Already in Canada vs Overseas Applicants

 

Canada's immigration framework is experiencing a tremendous renewal in 2025, and one of the most prominent alterations within it is the increasing preference for applicants already living in Canada. Internationals, temporary foreign workers, or graduate students with post-study work permits situated in Canada will become a new focus for the IRCC over other applicants overseas. This is changing how individuals plan their path to Canadian permanent residency (PR), and it's generating a new approach for newcomers to adapt to.

Reasons Why Canada Favors Applicants Already In Canada

There are a number of reasons why Canada has an increasing preference for applicants who are already living, studying or working in Canada:

1. Greater Speed of Integration

When a person is already in Canada, they have already adjusted to the culture, working environment or lifestyle. This mitigates integration issues, and therefore speeds up their efforts to contribute economically.

2. Demonstrated Experiences

Canadians value "real Canadian" experiences — work, study, or internship experiences — because it demonstrates the individual can be economically successful in the labour force. Programs such as CEC programs (Canadian Experience Class) were implemented to help immigrants meet these objectives and this preference is evolving into other programs.

3. Lowered Risk for Employers

It's easier for employers to choose a person in Canada already. The employer can meet with them, see their skills, and onboard them with no interruptions. Due to this, it is more likely that an employer will also support the PR through options that require a job offer or a LMIA job offer.

4. Improved Efficiency for IRCC

When processing applicants who meet Canadian expectations (education, work environment, language) means they are reducing back end processing. Given current resource pressures and changing immigration targets, Canada is looking to have smoother, and faster application time lines. 

Impact on Overseas Applicants

This doesn't mean overseas applicants do not get a chance — however this makes it more competitive. Applicants applying directly from abroad may now experience:

• Greater competition for CRS scores

• Minimal targeted draws for outside of Canada profiles

• Longer processing times

• Increased consideration for job offers or arranged employment

For this reason, many overseas candidates are now looking to first enter through study or work permits or employer driven pathways instead of applying directly for PR.

Preferred Pathways for In-Canada Applicants

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The IRCC will likely continue to hold robust CEC-focused draws. When considering permanent residency, candidates who have gained Canadian work experience have one of the highest success rates.

2. PGWP to PR Pathway

International students who graduate from eligible programs will receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This work permit provides student graduates with the necessary experience to meet the requirements for an Express Entry and/or a PNP pathway.

3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Provinces tend to prefer to invite candidates who are currently living or working within the province. Provincial PNP draws are continuing to focus on candidates who are in-Canada workers, graduates, and skilled workers.

4. Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW)

Many workers who have LMIA-based work permits find it easier to apply for PR, as these work permits are issued to workers who are in positions that more closely align with labour shortages in the province/territory they are working in.

How Immigration Consultants Can Assist You in Navigating This Change

As the system now advantages in-Canada candidates and requiring even more professional assistance, consulting services like Canada work permit consultants, Canada work visa consultants, and Canada work permit visa consultants will be helping out-of-Canada candidates find an appropriate entry pathway, and will assist with in-Canada candidates planning their PR strategy.

Canada work permit consultants primarily focus on helping candidates acquire valid work permits that match identified high-demand occupations - this will provide candidates with a greater chance for PR pathway later on. Canada work visa consultants provide guidance, and they will assess the best employer-based pathways for your profile to provide the greatest long-term benefit in regard to PR options. Canada work permit visa consultants provide comprehensive client support from document preparation to filing the application — taking the possibility of error out of the process which could result in delays or unnecessary costs.

As to students, Canada education consultants play a very important role in advising those students on the correct educational pathway based on their preferences, whether it be a program, college or province. This decision can lead to a dramatically improved chance to be eligible for work permit, and by extension working towards their PR program.

Lastly, a full Canadian Immigration Consultancy is one that is able to engage all of the supports mentioned above, the consultant service will ascertain the best pathways on any of study permits, work permits, PNP programs, Express Entry, and PR applications - ensuring the very best advice, and support to always guide the client in accordance with the latest policy adjustments.

What Should Applicants be Doing Now?

To thrive in the new 2025 immigration environment, applying candidates–whether inside or outside Canada–should take the following strategic action: 

• Overseas Applicants:

Consider entering Canada first, through study, work permits, or an employer sponsored route, and/or through IPC to increase opportunities for permanent residency.

• In-Canada Applicants:

Get as much Canadian work experience as possible, while ensuring that you stay legally in status.

• Jobs in High-Demand:

The highest in-demand positions are still in healthcare, trades, tech, and education   sectors.

• Increase Language Scores:

Higher scores in language can improve your outcomes in the Comprehensive ranking system, as well in category-based draws.

• Be Aware of Changing Policies :

Immigration rule changes move quickly. Utilize the support of a professional to keep compatible with the changing rules.

Conclusion

Canada’s decision to focus around in-Canada applicants is changing the immigration experience.

Although overseas applicants still have avenues for applying, the most effective way forward, under the current landscape, is to seek Canadian experience first through study or work. Under semi-expert guidance, from Canada work permit consultants, canada work visa consultants, canada work permit visa consultants, and canada education consultants – candidates already in Canada or overseas can generate good strategies under this co-created, current planned reality.