Canada is adjusting its targets for both permanent and temporary resident admissions.
Permanent Resident Targets
In the Immigration Levels Plan released today, the government announced significant cuts to its permanent resident admission targets:
- 2025: 395,000, down from the 485,000 target for 2024.
- 2026: 380,000, reduced from the previously planned 500,000.
- 2027: 365,000, also down from the 500,000 target.
While overall immigration numbers are decreasing, the government is increasing the focus on economic immigration, with targets for 2025 dropping only 15%, from 272,000 to 232,000. Notably, only 40% of economic immigrants are expected to come from within Canada.
Proposed Permanent Resident Levels Breakdown:
| Immigration Category | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total PR Admissions | 395,000 | 380,000 | 365,000 |
| French-Speaking Admissions | 29,325 (8.5%) | 31,350 (9.5%) | 31,500 (10%) |
| Economic Immigration | 232,150 | 229,750 | 225,350 |
| Family Reunification | 94,500 | 88,000 | 81,000 |
| Refugees and Other | 68,350 | 62,250 | 58,650 |
In a rare move, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led the announcement, typically made by the Immigration Minister, praising the role of immigration in strengthening Canada’s economy.
Temporary Resident Levels
This year’s plan also introduces targets for temporary residents, which were not previously included. The government aims to reduce temporary residents as a proportion of Canada’s population from 7% to 5% by the end of 2026.
Proposed Temporary Resident Levels Breakdown:
| TR Category | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total TR Arrivals | 673,650 | 516,600 | 543,600 |
| Workers | 367,750 | 210,700 | 237,700 |
| Students | 305,900 | 305,900 | 305,900 |
Changes to Study Permits and TFWP
Earlier this year, the government implemented a cap on international student admissions, limiting the number of new study permits to 360,000 in 2024. This cap has now become a permanent fixture affecting all levels of study.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has also faced scrutiny. Trudeau criticized businesses for “exploiting cheap foreign labour,” underscoring the need for reform.
Recent announcements indicated a plan to reduce the issuance of study permits, Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), and spousal open work permits by hundreds of thousands over the next three years.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
About the Immigration Levels Plan
The Immigration Levels Plan is the government’s official document outlining its immigration strategy. Each year, it includes targets for the upcoming year and two subsequent years, with initial targets generally remaining firm while later projections may change. Despite the reductions, the 2025 targets remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.