In the first half of 2025, Canada’s immigration landscape underwent notable shifts, reflecting a recalibrated approach to manage population growth and integration. The year 2025 began with a reduced target of 395,000 new permanent residents, down from previous years, as part of a broader strategy to slow the pace of immigration.
By June 2025, Canada had admitted approximately 207,650 new permanent residents, keeping the country on track to meet its annual target. This figure, however, marks a decline compared to the same period in 2023 and 2024. The reduction aligns with a planned decrease in targets, set to drop further to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.
Economic class immigrants, including skilled workers and provincial nominees, continue to dominate, accounting for about 62% of admissions in 2025. This reflects Canada’s ongoing focus on addressing labour shortages in key sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. The family class, comprising sponsored spouses, children, and parents, is expected to make up 24% of admissions, while refugees and protected persons account for 15%.
Canada also tightened rules for temporary residents, particularly international students and certain work permit holders. The number of study permits issued in the first half of 2025 dropped sharply to 149,860, down from over 245,000 in the same period of 2024. This decline is attributed to new federal caps and stricter eligibility requirements for student visas and the post-graduation work permit program.
The overall population of non-permanent residents in Canada also declined, marking the largest quarterly decrease since the pandemic border restrictions of 2020. By April 2025, the total number of non-permanent residents was just under 3 million, reflecting both an absolute decrease and a smaller share of the total population.
While official data on the top 10 source countries for new permanent residents in the first half of 2025 is pending, recent trends suggest continuity in key patterns. India remains the leading source country, continuing a multi-year trend. Other major source countries typically include the Philippines, China, Nigeria, and Pakistan, though the composition may shift due to policy changes and regional influences.
These adjustments reflect Canada’s broader immigration strategy, aimed at promoting sustainable growth, supporting economic needs, and improving integration outcomes for newcomers. The 2025–2027 immigration plan is designed to slow the pace of both permanent and temporary resident admissions, with Canada’s population projected to reach 41.4 million by 2027—about 1.4 million fewer people than earlier estimates.
The first half of 2025 highlights a period of reduced but still robust immigration to Canada, alongside changes in temporary resident and study permit policies. These shifts underscore ongoing efforts to balance short- and long-term national interests through immigration. As the year progresses, the focus remains on achieving a balanced and sustainable trajectory for demographic and economic growth.
Delving deeper into the data, the first quarter of 2025 saw Canada admit 104,256 new immigrants, marking the lowest first-quarter intake in four years. This figure underscores the government’s efforts to moderate population growth while maintaining a steady influx of new residents.
The demographic context of these changes reveals a significant shift. By April 2025, the number of non-permanent residents in Canada dropped to just under 3 million, representing the largest quarterly decrease since the pandemic-related border restrictions in 2020. This decline reflects both an absolute reduction and a smaller proportion of non-permanent residents relative to the total population.
Looking ahead, the 2025–2027 immigration plan is projected to result in a Canadian population of 41.4 million by the end of 2027. This figure is approximately 1.4 million fewer people than earlier estimates, aligning with the government’s strategy to slow immigration rates and focus on sustainable growth.
In summary, the first half of 2025 has been characterized by a deliberate reduction in both permanent and temporary immigration. These adjustments highlight Canada’s strategic approach to balancing its demographic and economic objectives, ensuring a sustainable path forward.
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Conclusion
The first half of 2025 marked a strategic shift in Canada’s immigration approach, with a deliberate reduction in both permanent and temporary resident admissions. This adjustment reflects the government’s effort to balance demographic and economic objectives, focusing on sustainable growth and integration. While economic class immigrants remain a priority, the decline in study permits and non-permanent residents underscores a broader strategy to manage population growth and align immigration policies with long-term national interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Canada reduce its immigration targets in 2025?
Canada reduced its immigration targets to slow population growth and improve integration efforts, aligning with a broader strategy for sustainable development.
What is the primary focus of Canada’s current immigration strategy?
The primary focus is on economic class immigrants, including skilled workers and provincial nominees, to address labor shortages in key sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
Why has there been a significant drop in study permits issued in 2025?
The drop in study permits is due to new federal caps and stricter eligibility requirements for student visas and the post-graduation work permit program.
What is Canada’s population projection by 2027?
Canada’s population is projected to reach 41.4 million by 2027, which is approximately 1.4 million fewer people than earlier estimates.
How has the non-permanent resident population in Canada changed?
The number of non-permanent residents dropped to just under 3 million by April 2025, marking the largest quarterly decrease since the pandemic-related border restrictions in 2020.
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