The Honorable Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Marc Miller has announced the immigration level plans for 2025-2027, outlining targets for permanent and temporary resident admissions over the next three years.
Key Features of the 2025 - 2027 Immigration Levels Plan
Permanent Resident Targets
Reduction in permanent resident admissions starting in 2025, decreasing by 105,000 admissions compared to projected levels.
Over 40% of the anticipated permanent resident admissions in 2025 will be individuals already in Canada as temporary residents, highlighting a focus on integrating those who have already contributed to the workforce.
The levels plan reduces the number of permanent residents for the next three years compared to last year’s forecast:
395,000 permanent residents in 2025 (down from 500,000)
380,000 permanent residents in 2026 (down from 500,000)
365,000 permanent residents in 2027
Temporary Resident Targets
Temporary resident numbers (international students and foreign workers) will be reduced over the next two years. Measures include:
A 5% reduction of Canada’s population by the end of 2026, mainly due to caps on international student visas and tighter foreign worker eligibility.
Declines in the temporary population by:
445,901 in 2025
445,662 in 2026
A modest increase of 17,439 temporary residents in 2027 as the system stabilizes.
Population Growth and Temporary Transitions
Canada will experience marginal population declines of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026 due to lower permanent resident admissions and temporary resident outflows. However, growth will resume in 2027, with a projected 0.8% population increase.
Temporary residents transitioning to permanent residency will make up over 40% of all new permanent residents in 2025. These individuals—mainly international students and workers—are already integrated into the economy and society, reducing pressure on housing and services.
Economic Class and Sectoral Focus
61.7% of total admissions by 2027 will be from the economic class, supporting critical labor sectors like healthcare and trades. By focusing on skilled workers and professionals, Canada can continue its efforts to boost productivity while tackling labor shortages.
Strengthening Francophone Communities
Immigration targets include a focus on Francophone immigration outside Quebec to strengthen these communities and support economic growth:
8.5% in 2025
9.5% in 2026
10% in 2027
Focus on Economic Immigration:
The plan prioritizes economic immigration, with approximately 62% of total admissions dedicated to the economic class by 2027. Key sectors targeted include healthcare and trade, aligning with Canada’s labor market needs.
The Canadian Experience Class and regional immigration programs will be emphasized to support the transition of temporary residents to permanent status.
Family Reunification and Humanitarian Commitments:
Nearly 24% of overall permanent resident admissions will be allocated to family-class immigration, ensuring that families can remain together.
Francophone Immigration:
The targets for Francophone admissions outside Quebec are set to increase, representing 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027, reinforcing the importance of linguistic diversity in Canada.
Addressing Asylum Claims
The Canadian government acknowledges the increase in asylum claims and is taking steps to enhance the integrity of its asylum system. Measures include a partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals and improvements in claims processing.
Anticipated Outcomes
The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan is expected to result in a marginal population decline of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026, with a return to growth of 0.8% in 2027. This plan aims to reduce the housing supply gap by approximately 670,000 units by the end of 2027, contributing to improved housing affordability and a lower unemployment rate.
Canadian Immigration With InfoPlace Canada
Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan reflects a carefully managed and forward-thinking approach to immigration, focusing on long-term prosperity and aligning with the country’s labor needs.
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