The Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled the country’s immigration targets for permanent residents over the next three years, introducing a notable reduction in numbers and setting temporary resident targets for the first time.
According to the new plan, Canada aims to welcome 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, decreasing to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027. This represents a significant drop from the previous target of 485,000 for 2024, as reported by Immigration News Canada (INC).
Permanent Resident Targets
The announced targets provide specific details by category. For 2025, Canada plans to admit 395,000 permanent residents, with estimates ranging from a low of 367,000 to a high of 436,000. The targets for subsequent years are 380,000 in 2026 (low: 352,000; high: 416,000) and 365,000 in 2027 (low: 338,000; high: 401,000).
“By adjusting our targets, we aim to better manage our immigration system and address current challenges,” said the Minister. The plan includes various categories, such as economic immigration, family reunification, and refugees.
Temporary Resident Targets
For the first time, Canada has introduced annual targets for temporary residents, setting an overall target of 673,650 arrivals for 2025, with projections of 516,600 in 2026 and 543,600 in 2027. A significant portion of these figures will be from the worker category, with 367,750 expected in 2025.
“Temporary residents play a crucial role in our economy, and we want to ensure we have the right balance moving forward,” the Minister added.
Changes from Previous Plans
The earlier immigration levels plan sought to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and maintain a target of 500,000 annually in subsequent years. The new plan reflects a strategic shift, reducing the number of permanent residents by 90,000 in 2025 compared to previous targets. These adjustments were deemed necessary to align with the current situation and anticipated future needs.
Implications of the New Plan
The updated immigration levels plan will have significant implications for various sectors in Canada. Employers in critical industries may encounter hiring challenges as the influx of newcomers decreases, and families seeking reunification may experience longer wait times.
Miller emphasized the importance of these changes: “We must ensure our immigration system is sustainable while still supporting economic growth.”
The immigration levels plan for 2025-2027 provides a clear direction for Canada’s immigration policy, balancing the need for newcomers with current economic realities. With established targets for both permanent and temporary residents, the government aims to effectively navigate the complexities of immigration in the coming years. As the IRCC reviews these plans annually, adjustments may be made to ensure Canada remains a welcoming destination for those looking to build their future here.
