Canada cuts permanent residents intake by 18% for 2025–27
Canada reduces permanent residents intake to manage housing and infrastructure
The Canadian government will reduce the number of permanent residents (PRs) accepted next year by over 18%. This decision is part of the 2025–27 Immigration Levels Plan released on Thursday. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) outlined a decrease from the previously proposed 500,000 PRs in 2025 to 395,000. For 2026, the number will drop from 500,000 to 380,000, with a target of 365,000 in 2027. This year, 485,000 PRs will be issued.
This marks the first reduction in PR numbers under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership since 2015. Trudeau acknowledged the imbalance between labour needs and population growth post-pandemic, stating, “We didn’t get the balance quite right. With today’s plan and previous measures, we’re improving our immigration system.”
In a post on X, Trudeau noted, “We’re significantly reducing the number of immigrants for the next two years. This is temporary — to pause population growth and let our economy catch up.” Public opinion has sharply turned against high immigration levels set by the Trudeau government.
Canada announces plan to reduce the number of Permanent Residents (PRs) coming to Canada over the next 3 years in order to pause population growth.
Here is the breakdown for the next three years:
2025: 395,00 PRs
2026: 380,000
2027: 365,000 pic.twitter.com/dtM6LbkfQx— Gistlover (@GistLovers) October 25, 2024
IRCC’s statement indicated the new plan aims to ease pressures on housing, infrastructure, and social services. This transition should support economic and social prosperity in the long term through immigration. The plan predicts a slight population decline of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026, followed by a growth of 0.8% in 2027. It also aims to reduce temporary resident volumes, including international students, to 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2026.
Trudeau also announced on X, “We’ll have fewer temporary foreign workers. We’re enforcing stricter rules for companies to prove they can’t hire Canadian workers first.” Immigration Minister Marc Miller said, “Our economy needs newcomers, but we must adapt our policies to address current pressures. These changes ensure everyone has access to jobs, homes, and support to thrive. We’ve listened to Canadians and will protect our system’s integrity while responsibly growing our population.”
A recent Environics Institute poll indicated a majority of Canadians feel there is too much immigration. For the first time in 25 years, 58% of respondents believe the country accepts too many immigrants, a 14 percentage point increase from last year.
Prospective PRs from India, the largest national cohort in this category, will be most affected. In 2023, of the 471,810 PRs granted, nearly 30% were from India. These numbers have surged since Trudeau took office in 2015, when 271,840 PRs were accepted, including 14.4% from India.
This shift represents a significant change in government policy. In November 2023, the government announced it would not increase PR intake from 2026, marking the first time levels were not increased since Trudeau came to power.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada releases supplementary information for the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, outlining targets for economic, family, refugee, and temporary residents, emphasizing holistic and community-driven migration strategies.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Canada reducing the number of permanent residents next year?
To ease pressures on housing, infrastructure, and social services and let the economy catch up.
How many permanent residents will Canada accept in 2025?
Canada will accept 395,000 permanent residents in 2025.
What is the impact of this reduction on international students?
Temporary resident volumes, including international students, will be reduced to 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2026.
Which group of prospective PRs will be most affected by this change?
Prospective PRs from India, the largest national cohort, will be most affected.
What did the Environics Institute poll reveal about Canadian public opinion on immigration?
The poll revealed that 58% of Canadians believe the country accepts too many immigrants.
