Immigration Canada: What will change in 2025 (Fewer permanent residents, more temporary ones)

Canada has just unveiled its new Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 to 2027, and I must say that this represents a major change in the country's migration strategy. Having closely followed Canadian immigration policies in recent years, I was intrigued by the significant changes made in this new plan. What mainly stands out is a more sustainable approach and targeted adjustments in the various immigration categories. I analyze these changes and compare them with the previous plan from 2024-2026 to better understand the directions taken.

A reduction in permanent immigration targets

The first notable point is the reduction in annual permanent immigration targets. Canada had initially set an ambitious target of 500,000 new arrivals per year for 2024-2026. However, the new plan revises these figures downwards:

• 2025 : 395,000 new arrivals
• 2026 : 380,000 new arrivals
• 2027 : 365,000 new arrivals

The move appears to reflect a desire to ensure that the country's infrastructure and resources can adequately support the growing population. Indeed, welcoming half a million people each year requires careful planning in terms of housing, health services, education and employment. By reducing the targets, the government is likely seeking to avoid overburdening these systems and to ensure better integration of new arrivals.

Discounts in the economy category

Historically, economic immigration has been the main driver of Canadian migration policy. It aims to attract skilled workers to support the country's economic growth. However, the 2025-2027 plan introduces a significant reduction in the number of economic immigrants:

• 2025 : 232,150 admissions
• 2026 : 229,750 admissions
• 2027 : 225,350 admissions

This decline is particularly pronounced in programs such as the Federal Business Stream, which is seeing a drastic drop in its admission targets. This suggests a desire to balance the need to stimulate the economy with the capacity of the labour market to absorb new workers. Moreover, by limiting the number of new economic arrivals, the government may be seeking to avoid increased competition in the labour market, especially in sectors where demand is already satisfied.

Priority given to admissions already present in Canada

One aspect that particularly struck me was the focus on individuals already present on Canadian soil. The “In-Canada Focus” category aims to recognize:

• 2025: 82,980 people
• 2026: 75,830 people
• 2027: 70,930 people

This strategy appears to be aimed at facilitating the transition to permanent residence for those who already know the country, whether they are international students or temporary workers. This could promote more harmonious integration, as these individuals are already familiar with Canadian culture and have often established social and professional ties. In addition, it reduces the challenges related to cultural and linguistic adaptation often encountered by new immigrants.

Adjustments to the Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remains a key pathway for economic immigration, allowing provinces to select candidates who meet their specific needs. However, the 2025-2027 plan sets a more modest target of 55,000 admissions per year, compared to 120,000 planned in the previous plan for 2025 and 2026. This significant reduction can be interpreted as a desire to better manage regional needs in immigration, while taking into account the reception capacity of the provinces in terms of public services and infrastructure.

Changes in family immigration

Family reunification has always been a pillar of Canadian immigration policy. However, the new plan calls for a reduction in the number of immigrants admitted under family reunification programs:

Spouses, partners and children:

• 2025: 70,000 admissions
• 2026: 66,500 admissions
• 2027: 61,000 admissions

Parents and grandparents:

• 2025: 24,500 admissions
• 2026: 21,500 admissions
• 2027: 20,000 admissions

While family reunification remains important, these adjustments reflect a more balanced approach between the different objectives of immigration policy. This is likely a matter of managing expectations while maintaining Canada's commitment to immigrant families.

Reduction in admissions of refugees and protected persons

Canada has a long tradition of welcoming refugees and people in need of international protection. However, the new plan calls for a reduction in targets in this category:

• 2025: 58,350 admissions
• 2026: 55,350 admissions
• 2027: 54,350 admissions

This reduction affects all categories of refugees, including government-sponsored and privately sponsored refugees. This could be a response to growing challenges related to housing and health services, sectors already under pressure in many parts of the country. It is crucial to maintain a balance between Canada’s humanitarian obligations and the country’s real capacity to provide adequate support to these vulnerable populations.

Targets for temporary residents from 2025 to 2027

A major new feature of the 2025-2027 plan is the inclusion of targets for temporary residents, such as international students and temporary workers. The objectives set are:

• 2025: 673,650 new temporary residents
• 2026: 516,600 new temporary residents
• 2027: 543,600 new temporary residents

A significant portion of these targets is allocated to temporary workers, primarily through the International Mobility Program (IMP), which represents 285,750 arrivals in 2025. In addition, 305,900 study permits will be issued annually. In managing the number of temporary residents, the government seeks to balance economic growth with the capacity of public services and infrastructure.

Work and study permits

The fact that the plan includes targets for temporary residents for the first time underscores the growing impact of these populations on the country. International students and temporary workers contribute significantly to the Canadian economy, but they also put pressure on housing, infrastructure and the labour market. By setting specific targets, the government can better manage the influx of temporary residents based on Canada's resources and capacity.

Comparison with the previous plan (2024-2026)

Comparing the two plans, there is an overall reduction in immigration targets. The previous plan targeted 500,000 new immigrants per year in 2025 and 2026, while the new plan reduces these targets by approximately 21,000. This reduction reflects a more cautious approach to current challenges, including the shortage of affordable housing and pressure on public services.

In addition, the 2025-2027 plan places greater emphasis on admissions already present in Canada, which differs from the previous strategy which favoured more candidates from outside. This shift can be seen as a response to immediate labour market needs and a recognition of the contributions of temporary residents.

What makes the 2025-2027 plan unique

In addition to the inclusion of targets for temporary residents, the new plan is distinguished by its desire to strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec. Francophone immigration will represent 8.5 billion of admissions in 2025 and 9.5 billion in 2026. This demonstrates Canada's commitment to supporting the vitality of Francophone communities across the country.

In addition, the plan recognizes the importance of smooth transitions for temporary residents to permanent residence. By facilitating this transition, Canada is capitalizing on the skills and experience of individuals already established, which can help alleviate labour shortages in key sectors.

As I read through this new plan, I can’t help but reflect on the long-term implications for Canada. On the one hand, a more measured approach to immigration can help ensure that newcomers integrate successfully and contribute positively to Canadian society. On the other hand, with an aging population and growing needs in certain economic sectors, it is crucial that Canada continues to attract talent from around the world.

The reduction in immigration targets may also impact Canada's position as a preferred destination for immigrants. It will be interesting to see how these changes affect the country's competitiveness on the global stage.

In addition, by focusing on temporary residents already in Canada, the government recognizes their value and potential. However, it is important to ensure that the transition process to permanent residence is fair and accessible to all, regardless of their sector of activity or initial status.

Video Justin Trudeau explains this change

Conclusion

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–27 represents a significant evolution in the country’s migration policy. By adopting a more sustainable approach and making targeted adjustments, the government is seeking to address current challenges while preparing for the future.

It remains to be seen how these changes will play out on the ground and what impact they will have on local communities, the economy and society as a whole. As a keen observer of immigration policies, I will continue to follow these developments with interest, recognizing the critical importance of immigration to the social and economic fabric of Canada.