Canada has outlined a plan to lower its permanent resident admission targets over the next three years as part of an initiative to reduce immigration.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has consistently emphasized that this approach prioritizes economic opportunities for Canadian citizens.
On Thursday, Trudeau and Marc Miller, the minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, jointly presented Canada’s 2025–2027 immigration levels plan.
The plan outlines a reduction in permanent residents from 500,000—the target set last year—to 395,000 in 2025.
In 2026, the goal will drop to 380,000, and by 2027, the number will further reduce to 365,000.
This policy adjustment follows a recent announcement by the prime minister, indicating a decrease in foreign worker intake.
Miller stated, “Today’s announcement is the next step in our plan to address the evolving immigration needs of our country. While it’s clear our economy needs newcomers, we see the pressures facing our country, and we must adapt our policies accordingly.”
He added, “These changes will make immigration work for our country so that everyone has access to the quality jobs, homes, and supports they need to thrive. We have listened to Canadians, and we will continue to protect the integrity of our system and grow our population responsibly.”
The immigration levels plan also includes efforts to reduce the number of temporary residents to five percent of Canada’s population by the end of 2026.
These changes reflect a broader strategy over the past year, which includes implementing a cap on international students and stricter eligibility requirements for temporary foreign workers.