Six Months In: How Lena Metlege Diab Is Reshaping Canadian Immigration

It’s been six months since Lena Metlege Diab became Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and her influence is already reshaping the immigration landscape.

Drawing from her experience as Nova Scotia’s former Minister of Immigration, Minister Diab has brought a practical, community-focused approach to federal immigration; one grounded in sustainability, fairness, and long-term integration.

Her first six months signal a clear direction: Canada’s immigration system is evolving toward balance - still welcoming, but now more structured and strategic.

A Minister Who Understands Immigration from Every Angle

Born in Halifax to Lebanese immigrant parents, Minister Diab understands the newcomer experience firsthand. As a lawyer and former provincial minister, she has long championed regional development, labour-market alignment, and Francophone immigration - priorities she is now advancing nationwide.

1. A Sustainable Immigration Levels Plan

Under Minister Diab, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which sets:

• 395,000 permanent residents in 2025

• 380,000 in 2026

• 365,000 in 2027

  
  

Rather than pursuing limitless growth, the government is emphasizing stability, housing capacity, and integration.

Who Benefits

• Skilled applicants already contributing to Canada’s economy.

• Employers with verified labour shortages.

  
  

Who Faces Challenges

• Applicants without clear job ties or in low-demand sectors.

• Humanitarian or family applicants who may face longer processing times.

  
  

2. Labour-Market Alignment and Regional Immigration

Minister Diab’s strategy links immigration more closely to Canada’s workforce and regional needs. Expect to see:

• Expansion of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

• Continued promotion of Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

• Closer cooperation between employers and immigration programs.

  
  

Inside Canada

Temporary workers already in Canada and filling genuine labour shortages are likely to have stronger pathways to permanent residence.

Outside Canada

Applicants abroad must align their skills with Canada’s labour priorities and show adaptability, such as willingness to settle in smaller centres or demonstrating French-language ability.

3. Managing Temporary Resident Growth

A key initiative under Diab’s leadership is the plan to reduce the temporary resident population to about 5% of Canada’s total population by 2026.

Beneficiaries

• Workers already in Canada with employer support and legitimate work experience.

• Employers responsibly using the LMIA process to address real labour shortages.

  
  

At a Disadvantage

• Visitors seeking repeated extensions without a clear purpose.

• International students from overcrowded programs or low-quality institutions.

• Applicants abroad pursuing temporary status without long-term plans.

  
  

4. Digital Transformation and Accountability

Minister Diab has accelerated IRCC’s digital modernization to improve efficiency and transparency.

Applicants can expect:

• Better online tracking systems.

• Faster processing through automation.

• Stricter document accuracy requirements.

  
  

This shift means fewer delays for complete applications, but less flexibility for incomplete or inconsistent ones, making professional support more valuable than ever.

5. Settlement, Retention, and Integration

Beyond intake numbers, Minister Diab’s focus is on helping newcomers stay and thrive.

Her policies include:

• Increased settlement funding for racialized, Francophone, and rural newcomers.

• Stronger community-based retention programs.

• Partnerships with employers to promote long-term integration.

  
  

Benefits

• Newcomers choosing regional centres with growing settlement support.

• Employers investing in mentorship and newcomer retention.

  
  

Challenges

• Newcomers aiming solely for major cities where housing and job competition remain high.

• Short-term visitors without community or employment ties.

  
  

Ready to Navigate These Changes?

Canada’s immigration system is changing, and understanding where you fit in has never been more important.

If you’re considering your next step toward Canadian immigration, or want to understand how these policies affect your situation, I invite you to book a consultation.

👉 Book your consultation today at www.crossingoceansimmigration.com

Let’s discuss your options and build a clear, strategic plan for your future in Canada.