Setback for Indians seeking PR as Canada reduces immigration targets in 2025–2027 plan

Ottawa: Canadian government has introduced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, aiming to control population growth in the short term and ensure well-managed, sustainable expansion in the long term. For the first time, the plan sets specific targets not only for permanent residents but also for temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers.

Canadian immigration minister Minister Miller said that the essential role of immigration in Canada’s economic recovery post-pandemic, highlighting the country’s need for skilled workers to drive recovery efforts. By attracting global talent, Canada was able to bolster its workforce and avoid a recession, strengthening the national economy.

She said that under the new plan anticipate a population decline of 0.2% in 2025 and 2026, followed by a growth rate of 0.8% in 2027.

To support this shift, the government will reduce permanent resident targets:

395,000 in 2025 (down from 500,000)

380,000 in 2026 (down from 500,000)

365,000 in 2027