In a major policy change, Canada has announced plans to lower its targets for permanent resident admissions over the next three years, signaling a cut in immigration levels.
The decision was made public by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Immigration Minister Marc Miller on Thursday, October 24. The new immigration plan for 2025-2027 aims to decrease the number of permanent residents from the previous target of 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025. This reduction will continue with further decreases to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.
Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted that this move is part of the government’s strategy to prioritize economic opportunities for Canadian citizens. Marc Miller noted that while newcomers benefit Canada’s economy, there is a need to balance these advantages with domestic pressures.
“Today’s announcement is a step forward in addressing our country’s changing immigration needs,” Miller stated. “While our economy requires newcomers, we must also respond to the pressures we face and adapt our policies accordingly.”
These reductions follow recent changes to Canada’s immigration policies, including a cap on international students and stricter eligibility for temporary foreign workers. By the end of 2026, the government plans to limit temporary resident numbers to five percent of Canada’s population.
The government asserts that these adjustments aim to ensure Canadians have access to quality jobs, housing, and essential resources, while still managing immigration growth responsibly.
