Canada Unveils 2025–2027 Immigration Plan with Lower Permanent Resident Targets and New Limits on Temporary Residents

New Canada Immigration Levels Plan Consultations Are Now Open

Canada has officially opened consultations for its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, marking a significant shift in how the country manages migration. The plan outlines updated targets for both permanent and temporary residents, aiming to balance economic growth, population management, and social service capacity.

This is the first time the plan includes explicit targets for temporary residents, such as foreign workers and international students. This holistic approach reflects a broader strategy to manage migration more effectively.

The federal government has announced a gradual reduction in permanent resident (PR) admissions over the next three years. The targets are as follows:

These numbers represent a decrease of about 105,000 PR admissions in 2025 compared to earlier projections. The reductions aim to ease pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services.

The plan also breaks down admissions by immigration category, with the Economic Class remaining the largest, accounting for up to 62% of all PR admissions by 2027. Key categories include skilled workers, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and caregivers.

Family reunification and refugee/humanitarian admissions will also see reductions. The government has emphasized the need to balance economic needs with population growth, ensuring a sustainable approach to immigration.

Temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers, will face stricter eligibility rules. The government aims to reduce the non-permanent resident population to just 5% of Canada’s total population by 2027.

For more details on the plan and its implications, visit Immigration News Canada.

Breakdown by Immigration Category

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan provides a detailed breakdown of permanent resident admissions across various immigration categories. The Economic Class remains the largest category, with targets set as follows:

By 2027, the Economic Class is expected to account for 62% of all PR admissions, with a focus on skilled workers in critical sectors such as healthcare and the skilled trades.

Reasons for the Changes

The reduction in permanent resident numbers is designed to help alleviate pressure on housing, public infrastructure, and social services. The federal government aims to balance Canada’s economic growth and labor market needs with more manageable population increases.

The plan also addresses rising concerns about the rapid increase in the temporary resident population, calling for a reduction of the non-permanent resident population to just 5% of the total population by 2027.

Temporary Residents

The 2025–2027 plan sets targets for temporary residents—Including foreign workers and international students—marking a significant policy shift toward more closely managed overall migration. Recent months have seen additional eligibility restrictions for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, international student programs, intra-company transfers, and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, especially in the Low Wage stream.

The share of PR admissions coming from people already in Canada, such as temporary workers and students transitioning to permanent status, is expected to exceed 40% in 2025.

Population Impact

The federal government expects the reduced immigration levels to lead to a slight population decline of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026, before returning to a growth rate of 0.8% in 2027.

Legal and Policy Background

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) mandates that the federal immigration minister provide an annual projection of PR admissions (the “Immigration Levels Plan”) to Parliament. The 2025–2027 plan reflects a new, holistic approach, managing both permanent and temporary migration streams together.

For more details on the plan and its implications, visit Immigration News Canada.

Conclusion

Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan represents a strategic shift in managing migration to balance economic needs, population growth, and social service capacity. By reducing permanent resident admissions and implementing stricter rules for temporary residents, the government aims to alleviate pressure on housing and infrastructure while maintaining a sustainable approach to immigration. The Economic Class remains a priority, with skilled workers in critical sectors being a key focus. This plan reflects a holistic approach to immigration management, ensuring Canada’s continued growth while addressing current challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main goals of the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan?

The plan aims to balance Canada’s economic growth with population management, focusing on reducing pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services while maintaining a sustainable immigration approach.

How many permanent residents will Canada admit annually under the new plan?

Canada will admit 395,000 PRs in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027, representing a gradual reduction to ease population and infrastructure pressures.

Which immigration category will receive the most permanent residents?

The Economic Class will remain the largest category, accounting for 62% of all PR admissions by 2027, with a focus on skilled workers in sectors like healthcare and skilled trades.

Will family reunification and refugee admissions be affected?

Yes, both family reunification and refugee/humanitarian admissions will see reductions, with targets decreasing annually from 2025 to 2027.

What changes are being made for temporary residents?

Temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers, will face stricter eligibility rules, with a goal to reduce the non-permanent resident population to 5% of Canada’s total population by 2027.

How will this plan impact Canada’s population growth?

The plan is expected to result in a slight population decline of 0.2% in 2025 and 2026, returning to a growth rate of 0.8% in 2027.