Canada set a new record for permanent residents in 2024, welcoming 483,390 newcomers, according to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This represents 1.16% of Canada’s estimated 41.6 million population – a milestone unlikely to be surpassed in the coming years due to major policy changes aimed at reducing immigration.
On This Page You Will Find:
- An overview of Canada’s record-breaking 483,390 new immigrants in 2024
- Details on the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, including reduced targets
- Marc Miller’s policies affecting international students and temporary foreign workers
- Justin Trudeau’s resignation and its impact on immigration policy
- A look ahead at what Canada’s immigration policy could become under Pierre Poilievre
Since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government took office in 2015, immigration has risen by 78%, driven by ambitious policies to fill labour shortages, counteract an aging population, and stimulate economic growth. However, the Trudeau era is coming to an end, and so is the era of consistently rising immigration targets.
Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan: A Shift Towards Stability
The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, announced in late 2024, marks a turning point in Canada’s immigration policy. Instead of further increasing immigration targets, the federal government will gradually reduce annual permanent resident admissions over the next three years.
This decision reflects growing concerns about housing shortages, healthcare strain, and infrastructure limitations, all of which have sparked public debate about Canada’s capacity to absorb large numbers of newcomers. The revised plan prioritizes economic immigration while limiting family reunification and humanitarian admissions.
Breakdown of the New Immigration Targets:
- 2025: 395,000 new permanent residents
- 2026: 380,000 new permanent residents
- 2027: 365,000 new permanent residents
This gradual reduction signals the government’s attempt to balance economic needs with mounting pressure to slow down the influx of immigrants.
Marc Miller’s Crackdown on International Students and Temporary Workers
Beyond permanent immigration, Canada is also reducing the number of international students and temporary foreign workers – two groups that have dramatically increased in recent years.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has outlined a multi-pronged strategy to curb the rapid growth of temporary residents in Canada. As of 2024, temporary residents make up nearly 7% of Canada’s total population – a level the government deems unsustainable.
Key policy changes include:
- International Student Cap: A limit on new study permits, particularly for private colleges, which have been criticized for over-enrolling students without providing adequate support.
- Stricter Work Permit Rules: Post-graduation work permits are now more selective, favouring graduates from high-demand fields.
- Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Restrictions: Employers must now prove greater efforts to hire Canadians before getting TFW approvals.
These changes align with growing concerns about housing shortages and wage suppression, as the influx of temporary residents has contributed to rising rent prices and competition in the job market.
Justin Trudeau’s Exit and the Uncertain Future of Immigration
The 2024 political landscape shifted dramatically with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation. After nearly a decade in power, Trudeau’s decision comes amid declining public support for the Liberals, rising living costs, and mounting pressure to recalibrate immigration policies.
With a federal election looming, Trudeau’s successor will inherit a deeply polarized debate on immigration. If the Liberals remain in power, the current policy of stabilizing immigration at lower targets will likely continue.
However, if the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, win the next election, Canada’s immigration policies could undergo even more drastic changes.
What Immigration Could Look Like Under a Conservative Government
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, has consistently called for a dramatic reduction in immigration until housing and healthcare systems improve. His party’s platform suggests the following potential policies:
- Lower Immigration Targets: Poilievre has hinted at cutting overall immigration levels below 365,000 per year, focusing only on high-skilled economic immigrants.
- Fewer Temporary Residents: He strongly opposes the current reliance on temporary foreign workers, advocating for stricter eligibility rules.
- Revamping the Express Entry System: Conservatives could make Express Entry even more competitive, favouring job-ready candidates over general skilled workers.
- Stronger Provincial Influence: Poilievre has suggested giving provinces more control over immigration, allowing regions like Alberta and Quebec to set their own priorities.
- Border and Asylum Crackdowns: A Poilievre-led government would likely tighten asylum and refugee policies, reducing the number of humanitarian admissions.
While Poilievre has not released a detailed immigration plan, his rhetoric suggests a major slowdown in both permanent and temporary immigration under a Conservative government.
What’s Next for Canada Immigration?
Canada’s record-breaking 483,390 new permanent residents in 2024 is a high point that may not be repeated in the near future. With new restrictions on international students, temporary workers, and a reduction in permanent residents, the country is shifting towards a more controlled immigration policy.
The upcoming federal election will be a turning point for immigration policy. A Liberal-led government would likely maintain the gradual reduction in targets, while a Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre could further restrict immigration levels.
For immigrants and prospective newcomers, the future of Canadian immigration remains uncertain – shaped by evolving policies, economic realities, and political shifts.
FAQ: Canada’s Immigration Changes in 2025 and Beyond
Why is Canada reducing its immigration targets for 2025-2027?
Canada is adjusting its immigration levels due to concerns about housing shortages, healthcare strain, and infrastructure limitations. The government aims to ensure that immigration remains sustainable and beneficial to both newcomers and existing residents. The revised plan lowers targets to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027 to better align with economic and social capacities while still addressing labour market needs.
How will Marc Miller’s policies affect international students?
Marc Miller has introduced a cap on study permits, particularly affecting private colleges that have been criticized for over-enrolling students. Additionally, post-graduation work permits will be more selective, prioritizing students in high-demand fields. These changes aim to reduce pressure on housing and job markets, ensuring international students can succeed in Canada without exacerbating existing infrastructure challenges
How could Pierre Poilievre change Canada’s immigration policy?
If Pierre Poilievre becomes prime minister, his government would likely reduce immigration targets even further, prioritizing high-skilled economic immigrants over family reunification and humanitarian programs. He has also criticized the temporary foreign worker program, suggesting stricter eligibility criteria. Additionally, Poilievre may give provinces more control over immigration and tighten border and asylum policies, shifting the overall approach towards a more restrictive system.
Will Express Entry be affected by these immigration changes?
The Express Entry system will remain a key pathway for skilled workers, but the score cut-offs could rise due to lower immigration targets, making the system more competitive. If the Conservatives take power, Express Entry may focus even more on job offers and economic needs, prioritizing candidates in high-demand occupations. Potential changes could make it harder to qualify without a provincial nomination or Canadian work experience.
What should prospective immigrants do if they want to move to Canada?
Given the upcoming policy shifts, potential immigrants should apply as soon as possible if they meet current eligibility criteria. Those planning to come through Express Entry should boost their CRS score by improving language skills, gaining work experience, or securing a job offer. International students should research designated learning institutions carefully to ensure post-graduate work permit eligibility. Staying updated on policy changes is crucial for making informed decisions about moving to Canada.
