On this page you will find:
- Canada’s annual immigration trend from 2015 to 2025
- How 2025 compares with recent record highs
- The policy direction under Mark Carney
- Comparison with 2026 – 2028 immigration targets
- What the shift means for future newcomers
Canada admitted 393,750 new permanent residents in 2025, marking a notable shift from the record highs seen in the immediate post-pandemic years and signalling a new phase in federal immigration policy under Mark Carney.
The figure represents a modest decline from 483,655 in 2024 and 471,820 in 2023, as Ottawa moves toward a more controlled and “sustainable” immigration system that balances economic needs with housing and infrastructure pressures.
A Decade of Immigration Growth – and a Turning Point
Canada’s immigration system expanded significantly over the past decade, with steady growth interrupted only by the pandemic:
The 2025 figure represents a clear correction after two years of historically high admissions. While still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, it confirms that Canada has moved away from rapid expansion.
Carney Era – From Expansion to Control
Under Mark Carney, immigration policy has shifted from aggressive growth to managed stability.
The government has framed this approach as necessary to address:
- Housing affordability pressures
- Strain on healthcare and public services
- Integration capacity in major cities
- Public concern about the pace of population growth
Rather than reducing immigration sharply, Ottawa has opted for a calibrated slowdown, keeping intake high by historical standards but lower than recent peaks.
How 2025 Compares With Planned Targets
The 2025 total of 393,750 aligns closely with the government’s planned target of 395,000 under the 2025 – 2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
Looking ahead, Canada is setting a lower and more stable benchmark:
- 2026 target: 380,000
- 2027 target: 380,000
- 2028 target: 380,000
This represents a deliberate reduction of around 13,750 admissions from 2025 levels, followed by a flat trajectory through 2028.
Stability in Permanent Immigration
While overall numbers are moderating, the structure of immigration remains consistent:
- Economic immigration continues to dominate, accounting for roughly 60 – 65 per cent of admissions
- Family reunification remains stable at around 20 – 22 per cent
- Refugees and protected persons continue to represent about 13 per cent
The emphasis is shifting from volume to outcomes, with a stronger focus on:
- Labour market alignment
- Regional distribution through the Provincial Nominee Program
- In-Canada transitions from temporary to permanent status
Temporary Residents – The Bigger Reset
The most significant policy change is not in permanent immigration, but in temporary resident levels.
In 2025, Canada admitted approximately 673,650 temporary residents. Under the new plan, that number drops sharply:
- 2026: 385,000
- 2027: 370,000
- 2028: 370,000
This reduction of more than 40 per cent reflects the government’s goal of bringing temporary residents below 5 per cent of the population.
What It Means for Immigration to Canada
The 2025 figure of 393,750 marks a transition year.
Canada remains one of the world’s most open immigration systems, but the focus has changed:
- Slower growth rather than expansion
- Greater emphasis on economic impact
- More controlled intake across all categories
For prospective immigrants, this means competition may increase, particularly in economic programs such as Express Entry and provincial nominations.
A Measured Reset, Not a Retreat
Canada’s immigration system is not shrinking. Instead, it is recalibrating.
The move from nearly 484,000 newcomers in 2024 to 393,750 in 2025, followed by a steady 380,000 annually, reflects a long-term strategy to stabilise population growth while maintaining economic benefits.
The success of this approach will depend on whether Canada can balance its need for talent with the realities of housing, infrastructure, and public services.
FAQ
How many immigrants did Canada welcome in 2025?
Canada admitted 393,750 permanent residents in 2025. This was slightly below the planned target of 395,000 and marked a decrease from the record levels seen in 2023 and 2024, reflecting a shift toward more controlled immigration growth.
Why did immigration numbers fall in 2025?
The reduction reflects a policy shift toward sustainability. The government aims to balance immigration with housing supply, infrastructure capacity, and public services, rather than continuing the rapid expansion seen after the pandemic.
What are Canada’s immigration targets for 2026 to 2028?
Canada plans to admit 380,000 permanent residents each year from 2026 to 2028. This represents a stable and slightly lower level compared to 2025, signalling a move toward predictable and controlled immigration intake.
Is Canada still prioritising economic immigration?
Yes. Economic immigration remains the largest category, making up around 60 – 65 per cent of total admissions. Programs such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program continue to play a central role.
What is happening to temporary residents in Canada?
Temporary resident numbers are being reduced significantly. Admissions will drop from about 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026, as the government works to bring the temporary population below 5 per cent of Canada’s total population.
