Canada will reduce its immigration targets for 2025 by 20 percent, cutting the planned intake by 90,000 permanent residents. The decision, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, sets the new target at 395,000 for 2025, down from the 485,000 planned for 2024. Further reductions are projected for subsequent years, with targets of 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.
This marks a significant shift from previous immigration goals. The earlier plan, unveiled in 2023, aimed for 500,000 new permanent residents annually in 2025 and 2026. The Liberal government, which has steadily increased immigration levels since 2015, faces mounting pressure from the public and within the party to scale back.
Recent polling reveals that a majority of Canadians, 58 percent, believe the country is accepting too many immigrants. Rising housing costs and healthcare pressures are key concerns.
With a federal election due by October 2025, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces growing calls to address these issues.
The reduced targets are expected to affect several immigration streams. Economic immigration will be divided into two categories: Federal Economic Priorities, focusing on specific occupations like healthcare and STEM, and In-Canada Focus, primarily targeting candidates already residing in Canada.
These adjustments emphasize programs such as the Canadian Experience Class, with fewer places for Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades applicants.
The Provincial Nominee Program will also see a sharp reduction. Targets will drop to 55,000 newcomers in 2025, half of the 110,000 planned for 2024. Family reunification will take a cut of 20,000, with 94,000 newcomers expected in 2025, down from 114,000 in 2024. Refugee admissions will be reduced by 20,000, targeting 58,350 individuals in 2025.
The government has also introduced new temporary residence levels. In 2025, Canada aims to welcome 673,650 workers and students, with numbers decreasing in 2026 before rising slightly in 2027.
The policy shift will likely create challenges for businesses as the country grapples with an aging workforce and labor shortages. However, officials argue the changes are necessary to balance economic needs with public concerns.
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