The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, marking a significant shift in the country’s immigration strategy. The plan is designed to pause short-term population growth and set the stage for sustainable, well-managed population expansion in the long run. For the first time, the plan introduces controlled targets not only for permanent residents but also for temporary residents, such as international students and foreign workers, signaling a new comprehensive approach to managing Canada’s immigration system.
The 2025–2027 Levels Plan forecasts a marginal population decline of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026, followed by a return to growth of 0.8% in 2027. These projections take into account a reduction in targets across various immigration streams over the next two years, as well as the expected outflow of temporary residents due to new measures aimed at balancing immigration volumes.
The Government of Canada has responded to concerns raised by Canadians by adjusting the permanent resident targets. The new plan calls for the following reductions:
These reductions are in line with the government's commitment to focusing on quality immigration while ensuring the country’s social services and infrastructure can continue to meet the needs of its growing population.
In addition to adjusting permanent resident targets, the plan includes measures to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population. By the end of 2026, the government aims to reduce the number of temporary residents to 5% of Canada’s population. Temporary resident numbers will decrease due to a combination of measures, including caps on international students and stricter eligibility criteria for temporary foreign workers. The government estimates that:
The goal of these changes is to streamline the temporary resident system, ensure it serves Canada’s long-term economic needs, and improve the integrity of immigration programs.
A key component of the 2025–2027 plan is transitioning more temporary residents to permanent residents. These individuals, already living in Canada as international students or foreign workers, are well-integrated into Canadian society. In 2025, more than 40% of permanent resident admissions will come from this group. These individuals are skilled, educated, and already contributing to the workforce and economy, meaning they are unlikely to place additional strain on social services.
The plan emphasizes long-term economic growth, with a focus on attracting workers to key sectors such as healthcare and trades. By 2027, 61.7% of permanent resident admissions will come from the economic class, prioritizing individuals with the skills needed to contribute to Canada’s labour market.
The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan also includes a targeted effort to support Francophone communities outside Quebec. The plan sets specific targets for Francophone immigration:
This measure aims to strengthen the social and economic fabric of Francophone communities outside of Quebec, supporting their growth and prosperity.
The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan is a strategic, balanced approach to immigration. It aims to attract the best and brightest, while ensuring that newcomers are able to integrate into Canadian society and contribute to the economy without overburdening the country’s infrastructure. Through a combination of targeted reforms, reductions in temporary resident volumes, and a focus on sustainable growth, the Government of Canada aims to create a strong, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Canadians.
By managing immigration carefully, the government is ensuring that newcomers have access to well-paying jobs, affordable housing, and the social services they need to thrive in Canada, helping to build a stronger, more resilient country