Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has unveiled the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. This plan is crucial as it indicates the number of permanent residents Canada aims to welcome each year and sets specific targets for various immigration categories, including permanent and temporary residents.
For the first time, the Immigration Levels Plan sets specific targets for temporary residents, with a particular emphasis on international students and foreign workers.
The government has aligned its immigration strategy with broader demographic goals. The plan anticipates a slight population decline of 0.2% in 2025 and 2026 before rebounding with an expected growth of 0.8% in 2027. The push to reduce the housing supply gap by approximately 670,000 units by the end of 2027 is also a key component aimed at mitigating the pressures that arise from increasing immigration numbers.
Overview of the Plan
Permanent Resident Admissions
- 2025: 395,000
- 2026: 380,000
- 2027: 365,000
This represents a combined reduction of 105,000 admissions in 2025 compared to previous plans, raising concerns about economic implications despite official explanations citing housing and social services pressures.
Here is the breakdown of permanent resident admissions for the next three years:
Economic Immigration
Target reduction for economic immigration:
- 2025: 232,150 (down 17% from 281,000)
- 2026: 229,750
- 2027: 225,350
This represents nearly 62% of the total PR admissions. The focus remains on facilitating pathways for temporary residents already living in Canada to transition to permanent status. Notably, over 40% of economic immigrants are expected to transition from the temporary resident category.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Dramatic cuts to PNP targets:
- 2025-2027: Steady at 55,000 annually, down from previous highs of 110,000 to 120,000.
This substantial reduction marks a shift in immigration policy that may impact provincial efforts to address localized labour shortages.
Family Class Immigration:
The commitment to family reunification will continue, allowing spouses, children, parents, and grandparents to join their loved ones in Canada. The planned admissions for family-class immigration are as follows:
- 2025: 94,500
- 2026: 88,000
- 2027: 81,000
This represents nearly 24% of total admissions aimed at uniting families.
Refugees and Humanitarian Class:
The plan indicates that 15% of overall permanent resident admissions will be allocated to refugees and humanitarian cases, upholding Canada’s long-standing commitments to humanitarian efforts:
- 2025: 58,350, declining to 54,350 by 2027.
Sectoral Focus
The plan emphasizes the admission of permanent residents aligned with labour market needs. Specific attention will be directed toward sectors facing labour shortages, such as healthcare and skilled trades. The government aims to enhance its workforce capacity, recognizing the critical need to fill gaps in these essential industries.
Focus on Francophone Communities:
Targets for French language proficiency are also expected to increase, supporting Canada’s commitment to strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec and fostering economic prosperity in these minority communities.
- 2025: 8.5%.
- 2026: 9.5%.
- 2027: 10%.
Temporary Resident Targets:
Again, reduced targets set for temporary residents:
- 2025: 673,650
- 2026: 516,600
- 2027: 543,600
These new arrival figures will not include visitors on temporary resident visas or extensions for current permits. The notable reduction in work permits allocated under the International Mobility Program (from 285,750 in 2025 to just 128,700 in 2026) signals a shift in how the government manages temporary worker admissions. The government also reduced the number of study permits, PGWPs, and spousal open work permits:
- 300,000 fewer study permits;
- 175,000 fewer PGWPs; and
- 150,000 fewer open work permits for spouses.
Here is the breakdown of permanent resident admissions for the next three years:
Conclusion
As Canada gears up for a federal election, the government’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027 underscores a fundamental recalibration of its immigration strategy. While there are considerable reductions in permanent resident targets, there is also an evident focus on facilitating a transition for those already in the country and addressing labour market needs in key sectors. Ongoing monitoring of these adjustments will be essential to gauge their effectiveness in achieving the intended demographic and economic goals and potential shifts in response to political changes.
This notification is for informational purposes only. If you have any inquiries, please contact an immigration professional at Maple Land Immigration Services.