Maple News reports that the Canadian government has announced a significant recalibration of its immigration strategy, with a steady decline in new permanent resident admissions beginning in 2025. This change, unveiled in the latest Immigration Levels Plan on October 24, signals a 20% decrease over the next three years compared to previously announced targets.
Under the revised plan, Canada will admit 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, down from the 485,000 expected in 2024. The number will fall further to 380,000 in 2026 and again to 365,000 in 2027. These figures mark a shift from the nation’s earlier plans to welcome 500,000 newcomers annually by 2025.
Despite the overall reduction, the government is prioritizing economic immigration, which will form the largest share of admissions. In 2025, approximately 232,000 of the total newcomers will enter through economic streams, representing a 17% decrease from the previous target but still making up the majority. Notably, over 40% of these economic immigrants are expected to come from individuals already in Canada on temporary visas.
Other streams including family reunification, refugee and humanitarian admissions will also see declines. Family reunification levels are expected to decrease from 94,500 in 2025 to 81,000 in 2027. Refugees and others admitted for humanitarian reasons will fall to just under 59,000 by 2027.
The plan also outlines a growing focus on francophone immigration outside of Quebec, with targets increasing from 8.5% (29,325 individuals) in 2025 to 10% (31,500) by 2027. This reflects Canada’s ongoing effort to support French-language communities across the country.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s involvement in announcing this plan was an unusual move, one typically handled by the Minister of Immigration. Trudeau described immigration as a cornerstone of Canada’s prosperity, stating it has made the Canadian economy the “envy of the world.”
While Canada is scaling back its numbers, the government aims to balance economic growth with infrastructure capacity and social integration. The plan indicates a more measured, sustainable approach—a significant pivot after years of record-high immigration targets.
This development is likely to influence individuals planning to immigrate to Canada in the coming years, especially those applying through family sponsorship or humanitarian pathways. However, opportunities remain robust for skilled workers with Canadian experience or temporary residency.
Maple News will continue to monitor Canada’s immigration policy shifts and provide guidance for prospective immigrants.