Between now and November 1, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will introduce the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. This plan sets targets for permanent resident admissions, influencing Canada’s population growth and affecting social systems, taxation, housing, and labor market dynamics.
Inclusion of Temporary Residents in Canada Immigration
For the first time, temporary residents—those on work and study permits and visitor visas—will be part of this plan. In 2023, over 2.5 million temporary residents represented 6.2% of Canada’s population. Minister Marc Miller has announced an intention to reduce this figure to 5% over the next three years, indicating a shift in policy focus.
Changes to Study Permits
IRCC has implemented a cap on study permits for international students, aiming to process 606,000 applications with an anticipated approval of 360,000 permits. This marks a 35% reduction compared to 2023 levels. The cap will further decrease to 437,000 in 2025, with master’s and PhD students now included in this limit. The move aims to regulate the flow of temporary residents and enhance support for those already in Canada.
Adjustments to Open Work Permits
In addition to the changes in study permits, IRCC plans to reduce the number of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) and Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs). New eligibility requirements will require PGWP applicants to achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7. These changes could result in approximately 175,000 fewer PGWPs being issued over the next three years.
Permanent Resident Targets
The 2024-2026 Plan targets 500,000 permanent residents for Canada in both 2025 and 2026. This includes various categories such as economic immigration and family sponsorship. Minister Miller has hinted at significant changes in the types of immigration supported by Canada moving forward.
As Canada’s population grows, concerns over affordable housing and healthcare continue to rise. The Immigration Levels Plan will balance newcomers’ needs with public concerns about Canada’s immigration future.