As of March 2025, Canada finds itself at a political crossroads—with a new acting Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who assumed office on March 14, 2025, and a newly appointed Minister of Immigration, Rachel Bendayan. The roles and titles associated with the prime ministers of Canada, both during and after their terms in office, reflect their ongoing influence and the formal traditions of the Canadian government. While these leadership changes are fresh, their implications are already being felt in the immigration space. For business immigration applicants and industry professionals, the pressing question is: Will this new leadership bring clarity, stability, or further uncertainty to Canada’s immigration system?
A Transition Period with Limited Policy Shifts—for Now
Rachel Bendayan, a Montreal-based lawyer and seasoned politician, officially took over as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on March 14, 2025, replacing Mark Miller. While she brings a unique background—as Canada’s first Moroccan-Canadian immigration minister and a strong advocate for Francophone communities—her role is currently limited by the fact that she has not yet received her mandate letter, which typically outlines a minister’s priorities and responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Acting Prime Minister Mark Carney, appointed following Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation, has called an early federal election set for April 28, 2025, in an effort to secure democratic legitimacy. The prime minister has the authority to advise the governor general on dissolving parliament and calling elections, a power that Carney has exercised in this instance. The next election is crucial for the political landscape, as it will determine the future direction of the major political parties. The maximum time between federal elections in Canada is five years. This means the current government is functioning in caretaker mode, focused on maintaining existing policies rather than introducing new initiatives.
Key Point:
Until a new, fully mandated government is formed, immigration policy is expected to remain in a “holding pattern.” This includes continuing existing caps on immigration streams like international students and cautious, risk-averse decision-making at IRCC.
Signals from the New Immigration Minister and New Prime Minister
Despite being new to the immigration portfolio, Minister Bendayan has shown early alignment with the Liberal government’s ongoing priorities. Her participation in a citizenship ceremony on International Francophonie Day and the announcement of $9.3 million in funding for Francophone minority communities signal a continued emphasis on Francophone immigration.
The Liberal Party has faced recent challenges and shifts in public support, which have impacted its strategies and policies. Recent Express Entry draws have prioritized French-speaking applicants, a trend that predates her appointment but appears to be continuing under her leadership.
What This Means for Applicants:
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Bilingual applicants have a strategic advantage
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Francophone immigration is likely to remain a fast track to permanent residence
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Adding French to your skill set can significantly improve your profile
Business Immigration: Sudden Changes and Rising Scrutiny
While the prime minister’s leadership messaging suggests continuity, business immigration programs have been rocked by sudden and unannounced changes in recent weeks:
- On March 25, 2025, IRCC quietly removed job offer points from Express Entry scoring.
- Work permit refusals under the Startup Visa (SUV) program are reportedly hovering around 50%, reflecting increased scrutiny even for applicants with support from designated organizations.
- However, it’s important to understand that this statistic includes many poorly prepared applications—those submitted without business plans, relevant documentation, or a genuine business model. Candidates with strong, well-documented cases—backed by a clear product-market fit, financial capacity, and a solid team—continue to see high success rates. When your application is thoughtfully prepared and demonstrates real commitment and viability, the odds are strongly in your favour.
At the same time, processing backlogs remain high, with over 2 million applications in inventory and about 800,000 exceeding service standards. These inefficiencies are compounded by IRCC’s recent layoffs and the flawed deployment of automated decision tools, such as the controversial Chinook 3.0 AI system, which was quietly rolled back after negative impacts.
What This Means for Entrepreneurs:
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Expect more due diligence from officers
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Be prepared to prove real traction with your startup—even from abroad
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No progress = high risk of refusal, even with valid endorsements
C11 and Startup Visa: Still Viable, But Not Without Risk
Programs like the C11 Significant Benefit Work Permit and the Startup Visa (SUV) remain active but with greater complexity. IRCC now requires clear evidence of economic benefit, commitment, and innovation, especially before issuing work permits or approving PR applications. The prime minister plays a crucial role in forming these immigration programs, ensuring they align with national interests and economic goals.
Furthermore, the removal of job offer points and the self-employment exclusion from the Canadian Experience Class have effectively closed off a third option that business owners once relied on to transition to PR.
At this point, the only reliable PR pathways for entrepreneurs are:
- Startup Visa (SUV)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Both are competitive, quota-limited, and subject to long processing timelines.
Expert Advice:
To maximize success, applicants should:
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Start within the first 6 months of the calendar year before quotas fill up
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Choose provinces strategically, prioritizing those with clear entrepreneur pathways (e.g., Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick)
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Maintain active participation in the business and regularly document progress
A Call for Better Federal-Provincial Coordination After Federal Elections
One of the growing frustrations in business immigration is the disconnect between federal and provincial governments. Many entrepreneurs are approved by provinces under PNP entrepreneur streams, only to be refused work permits by IRCC, which questions their business viability or financial ability.
The governor general plays a crucial role in appointing the prime minister and ensuring a functioning government, which is essential for better federal-provincial coordination. Acting on behalf of the monarch, the governor-general formally appoints the prime minister, a process that underscores the constitutional framework of Canada’s governance.
This lack of alignment undermines both provincial economic development efforts and applicant confidence.
What Needs to Change:
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IRCC should respect provincial nominations and performance agreements
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A unified approach to work permit issuance is critical
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Provinces should have more authority over business immigration within their jurisdictions
Is a New Program on the Horizon for the Liberal Party?
There is growing industry interest in introducing a passive investment stream similar to the U.S. “Golden Visa” model. A well-regulated Canadian Investment Residency Program could bring billions in foreign capital, support public infrastructure, and provide more options for global entrepreneurs.
Historically, the role of the prime minister in Canada has evolved significantly, especially during major events like the First World War, highlighting the importance of strong leadership during pivotal periods. Since Confederation in 1867, Canada has seen 24 prime ministers who have collectively formed 30 ministries, each contributing to the nation’s political and social development.
However, such proposals face resistance due to fears about abuse, fraud, and strain on Canada’s social programs. Any future program must be transparent, accountable, and economically justifiable.
Final Takeaways for Business Immigration Applicants
In this transition period, business applicants should proceed with cautious optimism. Canada remains open to entrepreneurial talent—but the process now demands greater diligence, commitment, and long-term strategy. The prime minister’s office, supported by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that impact these applicants, ensuring alignment with national priorities.
Just as former Canadian prime ministers like Mackenzie King navigated their political careers with long-term strategies, including his multiple terms and unique governance without a seat in the House of Commons, business immigration applicants must also plan for the long haul.
3 Key Recommendations:
- Be Adaptable – Prepare for changes without notice.
- Plan for the Long Haul – Immigration through business takes 3–5 years, not 6 months.
- Don’t Go It Alone – Work with an experienced immigration lawyer who understands the shifting landscape.
Want the full breakdown? Watch the full video for our insights on Canada’s evolving immigration leadership and what it means for business applicants.
