Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Plan: Targets for Permanent and Temporary Residents

Permanent Resident Targets for 2025-2027

The permanent resident targets for 2025-2027 aim to welcome skilled and educated individuals who are already well-integrated into Canadian society. Here are the highlights:

1. Transitioning Temporary Residents to Permanent Residency

• Canada plans to transition more students and workers already living in Canada to permanent residents.

• In 2025, over 40% of permanent resident admissions will come from this group.

• These individuals have established housing and employment, reducing pressure on social services.

2. Focusing on Long-Term Economic Growth

• By 2027, 61.7% of all permanent resident admissions will belong to the economic class, including skilled professionals in critical sectors:

  • Healthcare

  • Skilled trades

  • Technology

• This emphasis addresses labour shortages in vital industries, promoting economic sustainability.

3. Strengthening Francophone Communities

• Supporting Francophone communities outside Quebec is a key part of the strategy.

• Francophone immigration will make up 8.5% of PR admissions in 2025, growing to 9.5% in 2026.

• This measure enhances cultural diversity and contributes to economic growth in French-speaking regions.

Temporary Resident Targets: A Historic First

For the first time, Canada is setting specific targets for temporary residents (TR), including workers and students. These targets are designed to manage immigration while supporting essential sectors.

1. Transitioning Temporary Residents to Permanent Residency

• Many TRs will transition to PR, particularly those in the International Mobility Program and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

• The arrival of students will follow previously announced targets, aiding the integration of skilled individuals into the workforce.

2. Exclusions from Temporary Resident Targets

To prevent double-counting, certain categories are excluded from the TR targets:

• Work or study permit extensions: Individuals extending permits or changing status will not be recounted.

• Seasonal workers: Workers who arrive and leave within the same year are excluded from year-end counts.

• Asylum claimants: Asylum seekers are subject to legal assessments, so they are not managed like other immigration categories.

3. Projected Changes in Temporary Resident Numbers

• A decrease in TR numbers is expected over the next two years:

  • 2025 will see 445,901 fewer TRs.

  • 2026 will have 445,662 fewer TRs.

  • By 2027, a slight increase of 17,439 TRs is anticipated, leading to more stable immigration levels.

What These Targets Mean for Canada’s Future

The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan demonstrates Canada’s dedication to sustainable economic growth, community support, and workforce integration. By focusing on transitioning temporary residents, addressing labour market needs, and fostering cultural diversity, Canada is building a more robust and inclusive future.

Key Takeaways

• Over 40% of PR admissions in 2025 will be from skilled temporary residents already in Canada.

• By 2027, 61.7% of PR admissions will come from the economic class, targeting labour shortages.

• Francophone immigration will rise to 9.5% of PR admissions by 2026, supporting growth in French-speaking communities.

• Temporary resident numbers will decline over the next two years, with a slight increase by 2027.

Conclusion

Canada’s immigration policies are designed to promote economic growth, cultural diversity, and balanced population expansion. Whether you’re a temporary resident aiming to transition to PR or a skilled worker eyeing Canada as your future home, the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan provides a clear and structured path to a better future for both individuals and the country.