How Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan Creates New Opportunities for Colombian Skilled Workers and RCIP Employers Through the Canada–Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Introduction: A New Direction in Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan

Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan introduces important shifts in how temporary foreign workers will enter the country over the next few years. While the plan shows tightening across several temporary and permanent residence programs, it also highlights a strong preference for LMIA-exempt work permits, especially those issued under the Canada–Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCoFTA). This creates a significant advantage for Colombian skilled workers seeking opportunities in Canada. For RCIP (Rural Community Immigration Pilot) employers in regions such as Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timmins, and Brandon, these changes unlock new possibilities for more reliable recruitment and long-term retention. 

Understanding Canada’s Shift: IMP vs. TFWP in 2025–2027

To appreciate where new opportunities lie, it’s essential to understand the two main immigration pathways for temporary workers: the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

The International Mobility Program (IMP): LMIA-Exempt Pathways

The IMP encompasses all work permit categories that do not require an LMIA, including Post-Graduation Work Permits, Spousal Open Work Permits, LMIA-exempt work permits for Professionals and Technicians from Colombia (under our current free trade agreement CCoFTA).

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): LMIA-Required Streams

The TFWP covers streams that require an LMIA, including general employer-driven applications, low-wage and high-wage workers, agricultural workers, and seasonal labour programs.

Under the 2025–2027 levels plan, Canada is expected to issue almost twice as many IMP work permits compared to TFWP permits. This signals that LMIA-exempt streams are now a strategic priority—making CCoFTA one of the strongest options for Colombian applicants.

Why the Canada–Colombia Free Trade Agreement Is a High-Value Opportunity

CCoFTA Offers LMIA-Exempt Work Permits for Colombians

The Canada–Colombia Free Trade Agreement allows eligible Colombian workers to secure a Canadian work permit without undergoing an LMIA process. The agreement covers professionals, technicians, and technologists whose occupations appear in Annex 1203 of the treaty.

These include high-demand roles such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers; engineering technicians; construction inspectors; computer network technicians; and industrial instrument technicians. Many of these occupations are deeply needed across RCIP communities, where labour shortages continue to grow.

Why CCoFTA Will Shine in 2025–2027

Because LMIA-exempt categories will be prioritized under the new immigration plan, CCoFTA workers will enjoy faster processing, higher approval rates, and fewer administrative barriers. A Colombian professional whose occupation is listed under CCoFTA and aligns with an RCIP community’s labour needs will have one of the strongest pathways to Canada in the coming years.

Why Employers in RCIP Communities Should Prioritize CCoFTA Recruitment

Faster Approvals and Higher Success Rates

Since CCoFTA permits bypass the LMIA stage, employers avoid advertising requirements, government fees, and extensive documentation. With IMP processing prioritized, CCoFTA applications are more likely to be approved quickly.

A Clear Path to Permanent Residency Through RCIP

Once a worker arrives in an RCIP region and successfully integrates, they may qualify for a community recommendation, which leads directly toward permanent residence. This helps employers retain long-term, committed staff.

iCA Immigration Supports the Entire Hiring Process

iCA manages:

•  Recruiting candidates in Colombia

• Pre-screening and skill validation

• Preparing CCoFTA applications

• Guiding employers and workers toward RCIP PR pathways

• Planning long-term retention strategies

This ensures a smooth and compliant process from start to finish.

Why Colombian Skilled Workers Should Choose the CCoFTA + RCIP Pathway

A Stronger Chance of Approval

Avoiding the LMIA requirement significantly increases approval chances and shortens processing times.

High Demand for Technical and Engineering Occupations

Most RCIP communities urgently need tradespeople, technicians, and engineering-related workers—areas where many Colombians excel.

Seamless Employer Connections Through iCA

iCA helps candidates prepare for interviews, connect with approved employers, arrange documentation, and plan settlement in Canada.

A Reliable Pathway to Permanent Residency

The RCIP program offers a realistic and direct PR option for workers seeking long-term stability and security.

Strategic Recommendations for 2025–2027

For RCIP Employers

Employers should begin building partnerships with organizations such as iCA to identify talent in CCoFTA-eligible roles, plan early for permanent residency pathways, and align long-term staffing needs with RCIP priority sectors.

For Colombian Workers

Workers should verify whether their occupation appears on the CCoFTA list, organize documents early, and target RCIP regions that match their skills and experience. Collaborating with iCA streamlines employer connections and improves application readiness.

A Clear Message From the 2025–2027 Plan: Opportunity Exists—For Those Who Choose the Right Pathway

While Canada is becoming more selective overall, the new plan clearly shows optimism for those pursuing LMIA-exempt pathways. Free trade agreement applicants—especially those entering under CCoFTA—will have the strongest approval rates. This is exactly where Colombian skilled workers and RCIP employers can find synergy, and where iCA offers unmatched expertise.

Conclusion
The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan confirms Canada’s shift toward more targeted temporary worker programs. Instead of viewing this as a limitation, Colombian skilled workers and RCIP employers should see a powerful opportunity. The CCoFTA + RCIP pathway is faster, more efficient, more approval-friendly, and more aligned with permanent residence goals.

iCA specializes in bridging Colombian talent with employers across Canada’s RCIP communities. Whether you are an employer looking to fill long-term positions or a skilled worker planning your future in Canada, this is your moment to take action.

Let iCA guide you—every step of the way