On May 13, 2025, Lena Metlege Diab was appointed as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, replacing Rachel Bendayan. A seasoned lawyer and public servant, Diab brings deep legal, political, and immigration experience to the federal cabinet at a time when Canada’s immigration system is under significant pressure and reform.
Background: A Proven Immigration Leader
Diab, the daughter of Lebanese immigrants, was born in Halifax and spent her early years between Lebanon and Nova Scotia. A trilingual lawyer (English, French, Arabic), she holds degrees in commerce and law from Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University.
In 2013, she was elected MLA for Halifax Armdale and later served as Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration for eight years. During her tenure, she expanded provincial nominee quotas, launched new entrepreneur and graduate retention programs, and aligned Nova Scotia’s immigration streams with federal Express Entry. She is also the province’s former Attorney General and was elected MP for Halifax West in 2021.
Diab’s provincial legacy includes a major increase in immigration levels, pioneering programs like the International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, and digital modernization of immigration services.
What Immigration Changes Are Likely Under Diab?
Based on her past record and Canada’s current challenges, here are six areas where Minister Diab is expected to make an immediate impact:
1. Reducing Backlogs and Improving Processing Times
With spousal sponsorships and PR applications facing prolonged delays, Diab is expected to prioritize faster processing and backlog reduction. Her Nova Scotia tenure showed a practical approach: embracing digital systems, pausing streams to clear queues, and improving communication. Expect IRCC to streamline inland spousal sponsorships, enhance online tools, and expand internal resources.
Key impact: Applicants should ensure complete, error-free applications and expect more efficient processing timelines.
2. Express Entry Reform and Targeted Draws
Minister Diab will likely continue recent reforms to Express Entry, especially category-based draws for in-demand occupations like education, healthcare, and trades. Her provincial record shows support for regional labor targeting and alignment with federal economic needs.
With lower overall PR targets in 2025 (395,000), competition may increase. Expect Diab to refine CRS criteria and potentially introduce new draw categories or points for Canadian work/study experience.
Key impact: Skilled workers in priority sectors and French-speaking applicants may benefit from targeted draws. Candidates should actively monitor draw categories and maintain high CRS scores.
3. Spousal Sponsorship Modernization
As a mother and child of immigrants, Diab is expected to champion family reunification. Inland spousal sponsorships, currently facing 29-month wait times, may see improved timelines under her leadership.
Measures could include simplified document requirements, more digital intake, and expansion of open work permits for waiting spouses. Canada may aim to re-establish a 12-month processing goal.
Key impact: Couples separated by immigration delays may benefit from streamlined policies and faster decisions.
4. Overhaul of International Student Program
Diab’s background in education and immigration suggests she will continue the tightening of the student visa system, including caps on intake, higher financial proof thresholds, and PGWP restrictions.
However, she is likely to balance this with improved support for genuine students, stricter oversight of institutions, and promotion of pathways to PR for graduates in key sectors.
Key impact: International students must choose DLI-approved schools and prepare financially. Expect further caps and policy refinement.
5. Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Adjustments
Canada plans to reduce its temporary resident population to 5% of the total population by 2026. Diab will likely enforce a more selective TFW approach: focusing on high-demand sectors, ensuring compliance, and supporting pathways to permanency.
Her experience with Atlantic immigration suggests a practical approach: retain workers where needed, but promote long-term integration over temporary labor reliance.
Key impact: TFWs in priority sectors may see better pathways to PR, but employers should prepare for stricter program oversight.
6. Support for Regional and Francophone Immigration
Diab has long championed immigration outside of major cities. Expect increased Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) quotas, support for regional pilots, and newcomer integration funding in smaller communities.
Given her Francophone affairs background, Diab is likely to expand Francophone immigration programs outside Quebec and prioritize French-speaking candidates in Express Entry.
Key impact: Francophone applicants and those interested in smaller provinces may benefit from more tailored opportunities.
Conclusion: A Practical Yet Compassionate Approach Ahead
Lena Metlege Diab’s appointment marks a return to pragmatic, results-oriented immigration leadership. Her record suggests a focus on modernizing service delivery, aligning immigration with labor market needs, and maintaining Canada’s humanitarian commitments.
As IRCC enters a period of reform, applicants must stay informed and proactive. Whether applying under Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, or as a student or worker, understanding these coming shifts is essential.
Need Help Navigating The Changes?
At Elliott Immigration Corporation, we offer expert guidance on all immigration pathways, including Express Entry, study permits, work permits, and sponsorships. Our team of licensed professionals stays at the forefront of evolving immigration laws and policies, ensuring your application is not only complete and compliant but strategically positioned for success. We tailor every case to the unique needs of our clients, whether you’re applying for permanent residence, seeking to reunite with family, or making the transition from temporary to permanent status.
We understand how quickly the landscape can change under a new Minister and are prepared to guide you through every step with clarity, confidence, and care. Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation and take the next step toward securing your future in Canada.
