Canada has released its 2025-2027 immigration plan, which aims to reduce the number of permanent residents. For the first time, it includes targets for both temporary residents, including international students and workers, and permanent residents. Find out about the main changes in Canada's migration policy in the next 3 years that expats should know about

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On October 24, 2024, Canada announced a significant reduction in the number of immigrants it will accept over the next three years. This is a noticeable change in the migration policy of the country. The main reason for such a decision is to control the growth of the foreign population in the short term. The main changes in Canada's migration policy for 2025-2027 are discussed further in this article.

In recent months, Canada has refused entry to an increasing number of visitors and has significantly reduced the number of visas issued. We have already told what the reason for the sharp change in Canada's immigration policy is.

Plan of the level of migration in Canada for 2025-2027

The new plan for the level of migration to Canada for 2025-2027 includes the following steps:

1. The quota of permanent residents has been reduced for the next three years.

- 2025 – from 500,000 to 395,000;

- 2026 – from 500,000 to 380,000;

- 2027 – 365,000 permanent residents.

In general, there will be a reduction in the number of places for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee applicants.

2. Reduced the number of temporary residents to 5% of the Canadian population by the end of 2026.

This category of expats includes foreign students and temporary workers accepted under the Temporary Foreign Workers Program and the International Mobility Program. The plan for 2025-2027 sets the following quotas:

 - 673,650 temporary residents in 2025;

- 516,600 in 2026;

- 543,600 in 2027.

The temporary resident figure covers only new arrivals, meaning the number of new workers and students who come to Canada each year.

There is no limit for visitors arriving on temporary resident visas or electronic travel authorizations (eTA), permit extensions, study/work permit applications and asylum applicants.

3. Converting more temporary residents of Canada to permanent residents.

The Government of Canada plans to target temporary residents, such as students and foreign workers, to become permanent residents of the country, as these residents (who will account for more than 40% of the total number of admitted permanent residents in 2025) are skilled, educated and integrated into Canadian society and will help support the workforce and the economy without placing additional demands on the country's social services because they are already settled in Canada, have housing and work. However, this policy may affect people who do not fall into this category, especially those who live outside of Canada.

4. Focus on key labor market sectors such as health and trade.

Admission of permanent residents to certain economic sectors will reach 61.7% of the total number of admissions by 2027.

Continued recruitment of residents through economic pathways in sectors with labor shortages will allow businesses to fill labor gaps. In 2026, targets for health and trade professions will increase, as will French language proficiency.

5. Strengthening French-speaking communities outside of Quebec.

In 2025, French-speaking immigration will account for 8.5% of the total number of permanent residents; 9.5% in 2026; and 10% in 2027.

The government is committed to strengthening francophone communities outside of Quebec and ensuring the economic prosperity of francophone minorities across Canada.

You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

How much will the number of temporary residents in Canada decrease in 2025-2027

The government expects to see a temporary decline in Canada's population of 445,901 in 2025; 445,662 in 2026; and a slight increase of 17,439 in 2027.

The cuts are the result of a series of changes over the past year, including restrictions on international students and tougher requirements for temporary foreign workers, introduced to reduce the number of expats. It appears that the government will rely on the already announced changes to the international student/foreign worker programs to achieve its temporary residency goals.

Why is Canada reducing the number of migrants?

The Canadian Government announced an increase in immigration after the pandemic, as it sought to solve the problem of labor shortages at the expense of foreign workers. However, the sharp increase in the country's population has led to a significant increase in the burden on the housing stock and the health care program.

Reducing the number of permanent and temporary residents will stop population growth in the next two years and give provinces time to strengthen their social sectors.

This step followed the announced reductions in quotas for foreign students and temporary foreign workers.

Canada has introduced new criteria for obtaining a post-graduate work permit (PGWP). In particular, they plan to introduce updated language requirements and change the criteria of the field of study. Read here when the changes will come into effect and what rules future students should be aware of.

Last year, approximately 97% of Canada's population growth was driven by immigration. At the same time, the unemployment rate in the country has increased to 6.5%, and among young people it exceeds 14%.

Public support for immigration in Canada is also declining, with a recent poll showing that 58% of Canadians believe the level of immigration is too high.

Experts predict that these changes may not be the last in Canada's migration policy, so stay tuned for updates in the "News" section of the Visit World portal.

We will remind you! Temporary residents who came to Canada on a visitor visa can no longer apply for a work permit. This decision was taken as part of the fight against excessive migration. We have already told what kind of program it is and why the Canadian leadership decided to close it.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.