COW – Narrative – 2025–2026 Main Estimates – June 9, 2025
Key messages
- Canada’s immigration system has long been a source of pride for Canadians and an economic driver. As stated in the Speech from the Throne, the government is committed to rebuilding Canadians’ trust in immigration by restoring balance to the system.
- The 2025–2026 Main Estimates include increases that will allow us to respond to the urgent housing needs of asylum claimants, deliver essential health services to newcomers, and provide a more stable and efficient digital platform, among others.
- The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan introduces controlled targets for both permanent and temporary residents to pause short-term growth and support long-term sustainability. This approach also helps offset funding pressures by reducing costs tied to immigration levels.
Narrative
Main estimates
The 2025–2026 Main Estimates include total funding of $5.17B to support Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) efforts to strengthen Canada’s immigration system and modernize the client experience while responding to pressing needs and evolving global challenges. Canada continues to prioritize a well-managed immigration system that supports economic growth, reflects our country’s humanitarian values and rebuilds public trust.
The total funding of $5.17B represents a net increase of $979.6M compared to the 2024–2025 Main Estimates.
These funding increases are offset in part by planned reductions to funding for the resettlement of Afghan nationals, special immigration measures for Ukrainian nationals, and a recalibration of investments under the Immigration Levels Plan. These changes reflect the government’s commitment to a balanced and sustainable immigration system and responsible fiscal management.
Interim Federal Health Program
The Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories, municipalities and stakeholders to support newcomers and address the urgent needs of increased volumes of asylum claimants. IRCC is seeking $584.3M in additional funding to continue to deliver essential health care services to asylum claimants, resettled refugees, and other vulnerable populations not yet eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance.
Interim Housing Assistance Program
The Government of Canada recognizes the significant pressures that high volumes of asylum claimants and increased shelter demand have placed on provinces, municipalities and community partners. IRCC is seeking $400M to help the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) maintain temporary housing for asylum claimants in municipalities and provinces facing high volumes of arrivals. While it initially focused on short-term emergency measures like shelters and hotels, the renewed IHAP model prioritizes cost-effective, sustainable solutions and long-term capacity building across Canada. This shift will reduce costs to Canadians and improve outcomes for claimants.
Digital Platform Modernization
IRCC is reimagining and redesigning how we deliver services to improve the client experience and increase employee productivity while maintaining the health, safety and security of Canadians. IRCC is requesting $134.8M in additional funding to advance the Department’s Digital Platform Modernization efforts in order to improve the client experience, streamline processing, and reinforce the integrity and security of the immigration system.
Humanitarian measures—Gaza
A total of $41M is allocated to support temporary immigration measures for individuals affected by the conflict in Gaza. This includes in-Canada assistance and additional operational capacity abroad.