Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan: What It Means for Future Immigrants
On October 24, 2024, the Government of Canada released its much-anticipated 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. This policy framework outlines the number of new permanent residents Canada aims to welcome each year and is a key pillar of the country’s immigration strategy. This latest plan focuses on ensuring sustainable population growth while addressing both economic and societal needs.
Key Highlights of the 2025-2027 Plan
➡️ Reduction in Permanent Residency Targets: Annual PR intake will be lowered by 21 percent, setting targets at 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. This reduction could mean fewer pathways to PR, increasing competition among candidates for available spots.
➡️ Decrease in Temporary Resident Targets: The plan also reduces targets for temporary residents, with projected intakes of 673,650 in 2025, 516,600 in 2026, and 543,600 in 2027.
Canada first announced a plan to decrease the number of temporary residents to 5% of the total population over the next three years in March 2024. These reduced numbers reflect Canada’s desire to balance the economy’s needs with current social infrastructure constraints.
Measures designed to achieve the 5% target
- International student cap: IRCC introduced an annual cap on international student study permits, including a further 10% reduction in 2025 relative to 2024 targets.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) reform: IRCC tightened eligibility requirements for the PGWPP to better align the program with immigration goals and labour market needs.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program reform: Employment and Social Development Canada introduced a 10% cap on employers hiring temporary foreign workers under the low-wage stream, and announced an increase to the starting hourly wage for temporary foreign workers in the high-wage stream by 20%.
- Limiting work permits for spouses of temporary residents: IRCC is tightening work permit eligibility for spouses of international students and temporary foreign workers.Given temporary resident reduction measures announced in September this year, Canada’s temporary population will decrease over the next few years as significantly more temporary residents will transition to permanent residents or leave Canada compared to new ones arriving.
Given temporary resident reduction measures announced in September this year, Canada’s temporary population will decrease over the next few years as significantly more temporary residents will transition to permanent residents or leave Canada compared to new ones arriving.
➡️ Prioritizing Pathways for Current Temporary Residents: Despite cuts, Canada still intends to help more students and workers already in Canada transition to PR. Over 40% of PR admissions in 2025 are expected to come from this group. However, given lower overall PR targets, qualifying for this pathway will require meeting rigorous criteria
➡️ Supporting Economic Growth and Labour Market Needs: Canada will continue to focus on sectors critical to economic growth, such as healthcare and skilled trades, which are experiencing acute labour shortages. This sector-focused approach aims to ensure that PR admissions address the country’s most pressing workforce needs.
➡️ Strengthening Francophone Communities: To foster linguistic diversity and economic prosperity, Canada will enhance efforts to bolster Francophone communities outside Quebec. This includes specialized pathways and support to encourage Francophone immigration, which aligns with Canada’s broader objective of promoting cultural diversity in less populated areas.
In sum, while Canada remains committed to immigration as a cornerstone of economic and demographic growth, these adjustments reflect a recalibration toward sustainability.
For aspiring immigrants to Canada, the journey toward obtaining Permanent Residency requires strategic planning and continuous improvement. With changes in immigration targets and rising competition, it is crucial to take proactive steps to maximize your eligibility.
Start by assessing how you can strengthen your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: consider improving language test scores, gaining additional work experience, furthering your education, or securing a provincial nomination if eligible. It is essential to stay on top of the changes in immigration policy.
With determination, adaptability, and careful preparation, you can enhance your chances of making Canada your new home. Remember that every step you take today brings you closer to that goal—so plan thoughtfully, seek expert guidance, and invest in skills that align with Canada’s evolving immigration priorities.
Source: Canada.ca
