New Term Plan from the Canadian Minister of Immigration
On October 24, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, announced the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. This new plan aims to halt short-term population growth and ensure balanced and sustainable growth in the long term. According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the plan includes new regulations for immigration programs with a focus on achieving balanced growth that aligns with Canada’s social and economic infrastructure.
Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Strategy: Controlled Population Growth and Temporary Residence Goals
First and foremost, it should be noted that the content mentioned here may change over time. The three-year plan announced in previous years was revised as of yesterday. These figures may also be revised depending on the approach of the party in power after next year’s election.
Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims to maintain population growth at manageable levels, with a long-term focus on sustainable growth. Under this plan, a population decrease of 0.2% is anticipated in 2025 and 2026, followed by an increase of 0.8% in 2027. These projections are based on factors such as lowering immigrant intake targets, the exit of temporary residents, and natural population decline.
Immigration targets have been significantly reduced compared to the previously set 500,000 permanent residency (PR) targets: the plan now foresees 395,000 PR admissions in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. Another aspect of the strategy is to reduce the proportion of temporary residents within Canada’s population to 5%. Accordingly, over 445,000 individuals with temporary status are expected to either leave the country or transition to permanent residency. These steps aim to help Canada’s social services and infrastructure adapt to the current population, while preserving the integrity of temporary worker programs and continuing to attract skilled individuals to the country.
50% Reduction in Permanent Residency Targets via PNP and Express Entry Goals in Canada
One of the most striking changes is the substantial 50% reduction in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets. Previously set in the range of 110,000-120,000, the PNP target is now set at 55,000 for the new term. This means that provinces will have a more limited quota for immigrant intake.
In the new immigration plan, categories previously grouped under Federal High Skilled—namely Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades—have been reclassified as Federal Economic Priorities and In-Canada Focus. While the program names and contents remain unchanged, the distribution of targets across these categories has been adjusted, introducing a new approach to the Express Entry system.
In the 2024-2026 immigration plan, the target for the Federal High Skilled category was between 110,000 and 117,500. However, in the new plan, Federal Economic Priorities (category-based selections under Express Entry) are set at 41,700 for 2025, 47,400 for 2026, and 47,800 for 2027. For In-Canada Focus (mostly Canadian Experience Class), the targets are 82,980 in 2025, 75,830 in 2026, and 70,930 in 2027. The combined targets for these two categories amount to 124,680 for 2025, 123,230 for 2026, and 118,730 for 2027, which are above last year’s targets.
Kategori / Category | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
Federal Economic Priorities (Express Entry) | 41.700 | 47.400 | 47.800 |
In-Canada Focus (Canadian Experience Class) | 82.980 | 75.830 | 70.930 |
Toplam / Total | 124.680 | 123.230 | 118.730 |
We expect the Express Entry pool to be reduced by 75,000 applicants with scores above 450, paving the way for students with advanced English language skills who have completed studies in Canada.
French Language Proficiency Gains Prominence in Canada
Canada places increasing importance on candidates with French language proficiency to support Francophone communities outside Quebec. The proportion of permanent residency admissions for those proficient in French at CLB level 7 or above is set to reach 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027. These targets aim to boost the number of Francophone immigrants, enhancing Canada’s linguistic diversity and cultural richness.
This outlook is favorable for candidates eligible under the Canadian Experience Class and category-based selections, particularly those with at least CLB 7 in French, who are expected to stand out in the Express Entry pool.
Pathway to Permanent Residency Simplified for Temporary Residents in Canada
Canada is encouraging temporary residents to apply for permanent residency. Temporary residents, such as students or workers, are expected to make up 40% of the permanent residency applications in 2025. As individuals already integrated into Canadian society, they contribute to the workforce without placing additional strain on social services.
Further clarification on this matter is expected. It remains to be detailed how priority will be given to current student and work permit holders in Canada.
In summary, the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims to make Canada’s immigration system more sustainable and to support economic growth. The reduction in permanent residency targets, alongside the facilitation of permanent status for temporary residents, supports Canada’s social and economic infrastructure while helping newcomers integrate into society. This plan presents positive opportunities, especially for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class and category-based selections, while creating a more competitive process for PNP candidates. Those with French language proficiency will continue to hold an advantage in this process.
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