The Minister of Immigration announced a comprehensive set of immigration measures, including the removal of barriers for temporary workers in apprenticeship programs, the creation of a tripartite advisory council with unions and industry, and a new construction pathway for undocumented workers. These initiatives aim to support sustainable population growth, address housing shortages, and protect worker rights.

Amnesty International's report reveals systemic abuse and discrimination against migrant workers under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, highlighting significant failures in protecting workers' rights and inadequate oversight by the Ministry of Immigration.

Amnesty International's report details how Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Programme, administered through the Ministry of Immigration, ties migrant workers to single employers, ultimately facilitating labor exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and abuse. The report highlights systemic discrimination and denial of basic workers’ rights under the current visa policies.

An Amnesty International report released on January 30, 2025, criticizes the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for enabling systemic labor exploitation, abuse, and discrimination against migrant workers. The report highlights that the design of the program, administered under the Ministry of Immigration, ties workers to a single employer, severely limiting their rights and exposing them to dangerous conditions.

On October 24, 2024, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which reduces permanent and temporary resident targets in an effort to manage population growth sustainably. The plan details reduced targets for permanent residents over the coming years and introduces measures to lower the number of temporary residents, including tightened eligibility requirements.

A UN special rapporteur and advocacy groups have criticized Canada’s temporary foreign worker programs—overseen by the Ministry of Immigration—for leaving migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation and modern-day slavery. They urged the government to implement a clear pathway to permanent residency for these workers to safeguard their rights.

A parliamentary committee has released a report detailing extensive recommendations for overhauling Canada’s immigration processing system to address systemic racism and bias. The report calls for reforms such as recording applicant interviews, enhanced oversight of the Canada Border Services Agency, and accelerated processing for refugee and caregiver applications. An IRCC spokesperson emphasized the department’s commitment to anti‐racism, equity, and inclusion while acknowledging the heavy toll of long processing times on marginalized applicants.

IRCC is undertaking a series of reforms aimed at combating internal racism and cultural bias. These measures include a study into cultural bias in visa processing, mandatory unconscious bias training for employees and executives, a prerequisite inclusive hiring course for senior staff, the appointment of anti-racism representatives in each sector, and the creation of a Black Employee Network. An independent Employment System Review is also planned, with an upcoming release of an Anti-Racism Strategy later in the year.

Amid ongoing concerns over systemic racial discrimination, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU) have filed a policy grievance against IRCC. In addition, a Black Class Action Lawsuit representing over 1,300 past and present employees has been initiated, alleging discriminatory practices that have contributed to significant backlogs in visa and refugee processing.