July 11, 2025 – The Government of Canada and the incoming U.S. administration have simultaneously announced or shaped new immigration policies for the 2025–2027 period. These changes not only reflect strategic shifts in attracting immigrants but also directly impact Vietnamese individuals planning to settle in these two countries.
Canada Announces Its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan
On July 9, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially released its immigration levels plan for 2025–2027, focusing on improving the quality of newcomers rather than merely the numbers.
Key Highlights of the Plan:
The total immigration target will decrease slightly compared to previous years, but without any abrupt cuts.
The economic immigration share will rise from 58% in 2024 to 60% in 2025 and is projected to reach 62% by 2027.
Four new pilot programs will launch in 2025, targeting highly skilled workers, international entrepreneurs, and sectors facing labor shortages.
According to IRCC, these pilots aim to address workforce gaps in the provinces, especially in healthcare, construction, high-tech agriculture, and clean energy.
For Vietnamese Applicants:
Canada remains a top destination for Vietnamese hopefuls, particularly through skilled-worker and study-to-residence streams. The new policies continue to facilitate:
– Individuals with experience in priority occupations;
– Candidates holding an IELTS General score of 6.0 or higher and credentials recognized by Canada;
– Applications supported by valid job offers from Canadian employers.
Recommendation: Vietnamese planning to immigrate to Canada should prepare their documents early—especially language certificates and Educational Credential Assessments (ECA)—and stay updated on the specific requirements of the four upcoming pilot programs.
U.S. 2025 Permanent Residency Visa Policy under the New Trump Administration
In the United States, following the November 2024 election, Donald J. Trump was inaugurated for a second term on January 20, 2025. While no immediate executive orders have been issued, immigration experts warn that significant changes may be proposed soon.
Current U.S. Permanent Residency Visa Categories:
– Family Class (F1–F4): children, spouses, and siblings of U.S. citizens;
– Employment Class (EB-1 to EB-5): skilled workers, investors, professionals, and scholars;
– Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery);
– Humanitarian streams: refugees, asylum seekers, and special emergency visas.
Potential Changes:
– Enhanced security screening and financial sponsorship requirements, particularly for family reunification;
– Reduction or suspension of the DV Lottery, which is not prioritized in a merit-based immigration strategy;
– Stricter criteria for skilled-worker visas, with higher qualification and certification requirements.
Impact on Vietnamese Applicants:
Vietnam is among the countries with a relatively high volume of U.S. family-sponsorship and EB-5 investor applications. Policy adjustments could thus directly affect processing times and approval rates.
Recommendation: Vietnamese families sponsoring relatives or individuals planning to invest or work in the U.S. should closely monitor announcements from USCIS and the U.S. Embassy. Thorough, transparent application preparation and familiarity with the new procedures will be crucial in 2025.
Conclusion: 2025–2027 Immigration Trends Focus on Quality and Strategic Selection
Both Canada and the U.S. are refining immigration policies toward more selective criteria—prioritizing immigrants whose skills align with labor-market needs and reducing humanitarian, random, or non-essential family reunification categories.