The Canadian government has announced a plan to decrease the number of permanent residents accepted each year in response to population growth.
Canada Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed that starting in 2025, the annual intake will be reduced from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.
This new Immigration Levels Plan is designed to promote sustainable population growth by regulating the intake of both permanent and temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers.
“We recognise the importance of newcomers to our economy, but we also see the pressures facing our country,” Miller said. “These changes will allow for responsible growth, ensuring access to jobs, housing, and support for all Canadians.”
The plan also includes efforts to reduce the number of temporary residents to 5% of the population by the end of 2026. Currently, immigration accounts for nearly 98% of Canada’s population growth, with temporary residents making up 60% of that increase in 2023.
