Canada Announces Lower Immigration Targets: 395,000 New Permanent Residents Expected in 2025
10 Jul
Canada Announces Lower Immigration Targets: 395,000 New Permanent Residents Expected in 2025
Canada has officially announced its Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, marking a significant shift in immigration policy with reduced permanent resident targets. The plan establishes a target of 395,000 new permanent residents for 2025, representing a decrease of 105,000 admissions compared to previously projected levels. This reduction continues through 2026 with 380,000 targets and 365,000 in 2027.
The new strategy prioritizes candidates already present in Canada, with more than 40% of anticipated permanent resident admissions in 2025 expected to come from temporary residents already living in the country. Economic immigration remains the largest category, representing approximately 62% of total permanent resident admissions by 2027, focusing particularly on healthcare workers and skilled trades professionals. The plan also strengthens Francophone communities outside Quebec, targeting 8.5% Francophone immigration in 2025, increasing to 10% by 2027.
This strategic pause aims to achieve well-managed, sustainable growth while addressing infrastructure pressures, particularly in housing and social services. Research demonstrates that newcomers with in-Canada experience show better long-term integration success, supporting workforce development without placing additional demands on social services.
The Immigration Levels Plan maintains Canada's commitment to family reunification, allocating nearly 24% of overall permanent resident admissions to the family class in 2025. Additionally, Canada continues its humanitarian obligations, resettling vulnerable populations including human rights defenders, LGBTQI+ refugees, and religious minorities. Provincial Nominee Program allocations have been reduced by 50% for 2025, affecting processing times and creating more competitive selection criteria across all provinces.
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