How Immigration Policy Changes Are Affecting Your Community, And What You Can Do to Help
If you're a permanent resident or citizen in London and Middlesex, you've probably noticed changes in your community lately. Maybe a colleague's spouse is exploring new work options. Perhaps your child's classmate's family is adapting their plans. Or you've heard questions about what Canada's new immigration policies actually mean.
Recent federal policy changes are creating transitions right here in London, and as established community members, we have opportunities to support our neighbours and strengthen our welcoming community.
What's Happening in Our Community
Canada has reduced its overall immigration targets from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025, while announcing that more than 40% of permanent resident admissions will come from people already in Canada. This shift is creating both opportunities and adjustments for families in our community.
The changes affect different groups in different ways, creating new pathways for some while requiring others to adapt their plans.
How London is Adapting
Study permits have been adjusted down by 10% in 2025, and Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility now focuses on healthcare, social services, education, and skilled trades programs.
This creates clear advantages for students in these priority sectors at Western University and Fanshawe College. Many students are discovering new opportunities in London's growing healthcare and skilled trades sectors, which align well with both federal priorities and local job market needs.
Spousal Open Work Permits now have more specific eligibility criteria, available to spouses of master's/doctoral students or workers in certain occupations.
Job offers no longer provide Express Entry bonus points, but this has created new opportunities for some candidates, specifically Francophones. French speakers now receive significantly lower scoring requirements, with a difference of 100+ points compared to the general draw.
London's healthcare sector, anchored by London Health Sciences Centre, aligns quite well with the new federal priorities. This creates enhanced opportunities for healthcare professionals seeking permanent residence while addressing local labour needs.
The city's skilled trades sector could also benefit from the new category-based selection system, which would help address workforce needs while providing clear pathways for immigration.
Obviously, this is a stressful time. Significant policy changes can cause unforeseen strains and new hard realities for members of our community. That’s why it’s essential to check in with our friends, family, and colleagues regularly and help each other out as best we can. We are all one resilient community, and looking out for those navigating these changes is part of what makes us resilient.
How You Can Strengthen Our Welcoming Community
Share Accurate Information
When discussing immigration-related topics, direct people to reliable sources such as settlement agencies, LMLIP resources, or official government websites. Help ensure your networks have access to current, accurate information about available pathways.
Support Community Organisations
Organisations like LUSO Community Services, the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, WILL Employment Solutions, The Northwest London Resource Centre, the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, the Carrefour communautaire francophone de london, Collège Boréal, and the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario continue evolving their services to meet changing needs. They welcome volunteers who can share professional skills, provide conversation practice, or simply offer friendship and community connection.
Promote Local Opportunities
Help spread awareness about London's advantages: affordable housing compared to Toronto, rising rental availability with 2.9% vacancy rates, strong francophone services, and alignment between local job markets and federal priorities.
Foster Inclusive Workplaces
If you're an employer, explore how you can access talent through new pathways, such as category-based selection or Francophone mobility programs. Consider how your workplace can support employees as they navigate status transitions.
Build Cross-Cultural Connections
Engage with community organisations, schools, and faith groups to foster stronger relationships across cultural and linguistic divides. Building these connections benefits everyone and demonstrates London and Middlesex's commitment to being a genuinely welcoming region.
Looking Forward Together
These policy changes represent an evolution in Canada's immigration system, creating new opportunities and complications. London's robust community infrastructure and collaborative approach will be vital in supporting all residents through this transition.
Our community's strength stems from how we work together, with established residents and newcomers alike, to ensure that everyone has opportunities to contribute and thrive. The changes create new ways to build on London's reputation as a welcoming community.
By staying informed, supporting community organisations, and building inclusive relationships, we can ensure these transitions bring us together in solidarity and make us a tighter region. Building strong, welcoming communities is collaborative work that benefits everyone.