Written on October 30, 2024 by Marie Vesely
Navigating Change
On October 24, 2024, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced Canada’s updated Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027. Here’s a quick summary.
Originally, the plan aimed to welcome 500,000 permanent residents each year. Now, the revised targets are set lower, with 395,000 planned for 2025, 380,000 for 2026, and 365,000 for 2027. This adjustment aims to balance sustainable population growth with Canada’s economic needs.
Will this change stabilize Canada’s immigration system? Opinions differ.
Let’s keep in mind that, based on findings from the 2023 OECD International Migration Outlook, Canada’s immigration model is recognized as one of the most advanced and enduring systems for skilled labor migration within the OECD, consistently positioning it as a top destination for newcomers.
Key Elements of the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan
Lower Permanent Resident Targets
The number of permanent resident admissions will be reduced over the next two years. Instead of reaching 500,000 annual admissions, the targets are now set at:
- 395,000 in 2025
- 380,000 in 2026
- 365,000 in 2027
A Focus on Temporary-to-Permanent Transitions:
Nearly 40% of future permanent residents will come from individuals already in Canada, like students and workers moving from temporary to permanent status. This shift prioritizes those who are already established and integrated into Canada’s workforce.
Controlled Temporary Resident Targets
Emphasis on Economic Streams:
The plan will focus on skilled labor programs, targeting critical sectors like healthcare and trades. By 2027, the economic category is expected to account for over 60% of permanent admissions, creating opportunities for individuals with skills aligned with Canada’s labor market needs.
Increased Support for Francophone Immigration:
The plan sets higher targets for Francophone immigrants outside Quebec, aiming for 10% of total admissions by 2027. This could create more opportunities for French-speaking applicants looking to build their lives in Canada.

Implications for You and Your Goal to Immigrate to Canada
For those considering Canada as their new home, the recent changes highlight the need for careful planning. With targets now reduced, applicants should anticipate a more competitive process. International students and temporary foreign workers, in particular, will encounter stricter eligibility requirements.
Canada remains committed to skilled immigration, with a strong focus on those already in the country. Gaining Canadian work or study experience could offer a valuable advantage. For applicants abroad, enhancing credentials in priority sectors like healthcare or trades may also improve prospects.
While the path may demand more strategy and persistence, Canada continues to welcome skilled individuals eager to contribute to its future.
TL;DR
Canada’s new 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan reduces permanent resident targets to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. The focus is on transitioning temporary residents (like students and workers already in Canada) to permanent status. With newly introduced temporary resident caps, international students and workers should expect a more competitive process. Key sectors for immigration include healthcare and trades, with added pathways for French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. For prospective immigrants, planning, aligning skills with Canada’s labor needs, and gaining Canadian experience will be more important than ever.