IRCC is pleased to release details on the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan (Levels Plan).
This plan outlines permanent resident targets and ranges under categories such as Economic, Family, Refugees and Protected Persons, and Humanitarian & Compassionate and Other.
For the first time, it also includes temporary resident targets for international students and temporary foreign workers, representing a comprehensive approach to managed migration.
Both temporary and permanent residents are crucial in supporting economic growth, addressing labor market shortages, and enhancing the diversity of communities across Canada, including Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec.
A Holistic Approach to Managed Migration
Breaking:
Government of Canada reduces immigration
The 2025โ2027 Immigration Levels Plan is expected to result in a marginal population decline of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026 before returning to a population growth of 0.8% in 2027. These forecasts account for todayโsโฆ
โ Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi, Ph.D (@olumuyiwaayo) October 24, 2024
In recent years, Canada has embraced newcomers to address labor market needs and bolster the economy.
As the country transitions from post-pandemic measures, the Levels Plan aligns immigration levels with community capacity.
A whole-of-society approach ensures responsiveness to the needs of newcomers and Canadians alike through consultations with federal departments, provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, and communities.
To manage migration effectively, the government aims to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the total population by the end of 2026 according to Canada.ca.
Measures include capping most study permit applications, revising cost-of-living requirements for students, and altering eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits and spousal work permits under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program.
Changes to the low-wage stream of the TFW Program were also introduced to align the program with labor market conditions.
Temporary Resident Targets
The Levels Plan sets specific targets for new temporary resident arrivals:
Year
Overall Arrivals
Workers (Total)
International Mobility Program
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Students
2025
673,650
367,750
285,750
82,000
305,900
2026
516,600
210,700
128,700
82,000
305,900
2027
543,600
237,700
155,700
82,000
305,900
In 2025, international students will account for 45% of temporary resident arrivals, increasing to 59% in 2026 and 56% in 2027.
These targets balance labor market needs and community capacities.
Regional Focus and Economic Integration
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Immigrants and temporary residents significantly contribute to Canadaโs major urban centers such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton.
These cities are hubs for employment and cultural integration, offering numerous opportunities across sectors.
Specific efforts are being made to encourage settlement in smaller provinces and rural areas to support balanced regional economic development.
City
Key Sectors
Recent Initiatives to Support Immigrants
Toronto
Financial services, tech, healthcare
Expanding settlement programs, improving housing affordability
Vancouver
Film, technology, natural resources
Incentives for skilled trades workers and tech professionals
Montreal
Aerospace, AI, healthcare
Bilingual support for Francophone immigrants
Edmonton
Energy, agriculture, education
Regional Nominee Programs for healthcare workers
Calgary
Energy, technology, construction
Support for temporary-to-permanent residence pathways
Minimum Wages and Economic Supports
Minimum wages across provinces impact immigrant integration and economic opportunities.
The following table highlights minimum wage levels as of 2024:
Province/Territory
Minimum Wage (CAD)
Recent Changes
Ontario
16.00
Increased from 15.50 in 2023
British Columbia
16.75
Annual adjustments based on inflation
Quebec
15.25
Focused increases for sectors with labor shortages
Alberta
15.00
Stable rate, potential review in 2025
Manitoba
15.30
Progressive increases to match inflation
Permanent Resident Targets
The Levels Plan projects a gradual decrease in permanent resident admissions:
Economic Immigration
Economic categories remain a priority, with admissions focusing on sectors like healthcare and skilled trades.
An “in-Canada focus” emphasizes transitions to permanent residence for students and workers already in Canada.
Category
2025 Target
2026 Target
2027 Target
Federal Economic Priorities
41,700
47,400
47,800
In-Canada Focus
82,980
75,830
70,930
Provincial Nominee Program
55,000
55,000
55,000
Quebec Skilled Workers and Business
34,500
TBD
TBD
Family Reunification
Family admissions remain steady, comprising 22% of total permanent resident admissions annually.
Refugees and Protected Persons
Canada continues its commitment to refugee protection, maintaining targets for government-assisted and privately sponsored refugees.
Francophone Immigration
In alignment with the 2024 Francophone Immigration Policy, higher targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec are set:
Key Policies and Adjustments
- Economic Priorities: Admissions in healthcare, skilled trades, and French-language proficiency are emphasized.
- Regional Settlement: Programs to incentivize settlement in smaller provinces and rural areas.
- Minimum Wage Integration: Ensuring alignment between immigration policies and wage supports.
- Family Reunification: Continued support for family immigration categories.
- Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds: Allocations include 21,200 admissions over three years for humanitarian and public policy commitments.
Bottom Line
The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims to balance economic growth, labor market needs, and community capacities while supporting Canadaโs humanitarian commitments and Francophone representation.
Through careful planning and stakeholder engagement, the plan ensures that Canadaโs migration system remains responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.
