Canada’s 2025–2027 immigration policy marks a significant shift toward more controlled and conservative immigration levels, aiming to address domestic concerns such as housing affordability, infrastructure strain, and public sentiment. The federal government has announced a substantial decrease in permanent resident admissions over the next three years. The revised targets are set at 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027, down from the previous goal of 500,000 annually. This policy change comes in response to criticisms that the earlier immigration strategy failed to balance labor market needs with sustainable population growth, leading to increased pressures on housing and social services.
For the first time, Canada is implementing specific targets for temporary residents, including international students and temporary foreign workers. The number of temporary residents is expected to decrease by about 30,000, reaching approximately 300,000 in 2025. The government aims to reduce the share of temporary residents to 5% of the total population over the next three years, down from 6.8% in April 2024. This move is intended to alleviate housing demand and address public concerns about the rapid influx of temporary migrants. The revised immigration plan is projected to reduce the housing supply gap by approximately 670,000 units by the end of 2027. This is part of a broader strategy to improve housing affordability and manage infrastructure demands. However, economists warn that the sudden shift in immigration policy could slow GDP growth, as immigration has been a significant driver of Canada’s economic expansion in recent years. The Bank of Canada is monitoring the situation closely, considering potential adjustments to interest rates to support economic stability.
The policy changes have sparked a mixed response. While some Canadians support the measures to control immigration levels, others express concern over the potential negative impacts on the economy and migrant rights. Advocates argue that reducing immigration could exacerbate labor shortages and push temporary residents into more precarious situations. The government, facing an upcoming federal election, is navigating these complex dynamics as it seeks to balance public opinion with economic and social considerations.
In summary, Canada’s new immigration policy reflects a strategic shift toward more controlled immigration levels, with the intent to address domestic challenges related to housing, infrastructure, and public sentiment, while also considering the broader economic implications.
Canada’s 2025–2027 immigration policy introduces significant changes to its asylum and refugee systems, reflecting a shift toward more controlled and conservative immigration levels. These adjustments aim to address domestic concerns such as housing affordability, infrastructure strain, and public sentiment, while also responding to external pressures like changes in U.S. immigration policy. The federal government has announced a decrease in refugee and protected person admissions over the next three years. The revised targets are set at 58,350 in 2025, 55,350 in 2026, and 54,350 in 2027. Additionally, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has paused new refugee sponsorship applications from private groups, including community organizations and groups of five individuals, until the end of 2025. This pause addresses the high volume of applications that consistently outnumber available spots.
In response to a surge in asylum claims, Canada has implemented stricter border controls and visa requirements. An amendment to the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) now applies to the entire land border, including internal waterways, requiring asylum seekers to apply for protection in the first safe country they enter. This change has significantly reduced the number of asylum claims from individuals crossing illegally. Furthermore, Canada has reinstated visa requirements for Mexican nationals arriving by air, unless they hold a U.S. non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years. This measure aims to reduce the high number of asylum claims from Mexico, many of which were previously rejected, abandoned, or withdrawn.
To manage potential increases in asylum seekers, particularly in response to U.S. immigration policy changes, Canada is planning to open a processing center near the U.S. border in Quebec. This facility will accommodate up to 200 individuals at a time and is part of contingency plans to handle an influx of claimants. Additionally, the government has allocated $1.3 billion to bolster border security, including deploying drones and surveillance towers.
Canada is introducing a Crisis Response Framework to better manage surges in migration caused by conflicts, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. This framework aims to ensure faster and more efficient protection for refugees and asylum seekers by improving processing times and enhancing collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Provinces and territories will receive increased funding to expand housing and integration services for refugees.
The Canadian government has launched a global online ad campaign to caution potential asylum seekers about the difficulties of claiming the country. This shift in tone follows criticism blaming migrants for rising housing prices and public sentiment suggesting an oversaturation of newcomers. The advertisements, running in 11 languages, aim to provide accurate information about Canada’s immigration system and help prevent the exploitation of those seeking to come to Canada. In summary, Canada’s new immigration policy reflects a strategic shift toward more controlled immigration levels, with the intent to address domestic challenges related to housing, infrastructure, and public sentiment, while also considering the broader economic implications.