Government of Canada Sets New Immigration Levels to Support Balanced Growth

The Government of Canada recently announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, introducing measures to regulate the inflow of temporary and permanent residents. This strategic plan, outlined by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, aims to stabilize population growth for a more balanced and sustainable future.

Key Changes: New Targets for Permanent and Temporary Residents

Canada’s new plan sets limits for both temporary and permanent residents to ease pressures on housing, infrastructure, and social services. While Canada continues to recognize the essential role of immigration in supporting economic growth, this approach aims to alleviate short-term challenges by gradually reducing population growth.

For permanent residents, Canada’s targets have been reduced from previous years:

• 2025: 395,000 (down from 500,000)
• 2026: 380,000
• 2027: 365,000
  
  

Temporary resident numbers will also decrease significantly, with a goal of reducing temporary residents to 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2026. With stricter entry caps for international students and foreign workers, Canada aims to enhance the integrity of its programs while encouraging long-term sustainable growth.

Focusing on Transition and Economic Sectors

The plan will prioritize transitioning international students and temporary workers already in Canada to permanent residency. This group, familiar with Canadian society and working in key sectors like healthcare and trades, will help meet labor demands while supporting long-term economic growth.

The economic class is set to make up over 61% of permanent resident admissions by 2027, ensuring that newcomers are well-prepared to contribute to Canada’s workforce. Francophone immigration, critical for community support outside Quebec, is also targeted to increase to 10% of all admissions by 2027.

Expected Population Adjustments and Housing Benefits

Canada’s population growth will see a slight decrease of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026, with a return to growth at 0.8% in 2027. Reduced targets for both temporary and permanent residents will help address Canada’s housing supply gap, expected to decrease by about 670,000 units by 2027. This reduction is expected to improve housing affordability, ease infrastructure demands, and lower unemployment rates.

Enhancing Social Services and Economic Stability

Canada’s approach reflects its commitment to a balanced immigration system that meets both economic and societal needs. The updated immigration levels plan, including reforming programs like the International Student Program and post-graduation work permits, aims to protect job quality, housing access, and social services for everyone in Canada.

As Canada addresses its evolving immigration needs, this plan represents a responsible, forward-thinking approach to population growth, maintaining a well-managed and supportive system for both newcomers and Canadians.