Ottawa, April 29, 2025 — Following the April 28 federal election, Canada’s newly re-elected Liberal minority government under Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to maintain a more restrained approach to immigration, reaffirming policies set in motion by the previous administration.
Speaking at his first post-election press conference, Prime Minister Carney emphasized that immigration remains a key area of focus. However, he confirmed that the government would proceed with previously announced plans to lower immigration targets for both permanent and temporary residents over the next three years.
Canada’s updated immigration strategy for 2025–2027 outlines a phased reduction in permanent resident admissions, alongside new targets for temporary residents — a first in Canadian immigration policy. While caps on international student enrolment were introduced in 2024, the new plan formalizes broader limits on temporary migration, including foreign students and temporary foreign workers.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the country aims to admit 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, with that number falling to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 by 2027. These figures represent a significant shift from the earlier goal of 500,000 annual admissions set under previous plans.
For temporary residents, the government aims to reduce their share of the national population to 5% by 2026. However, the Bank of Canada has expressed doubt that this target is achievable within that timeframe. Prime Minister Carney echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the challenge and suggesting the target may instead be reached by the end of 2027.
As of the first quarter of 2025, Statistics Canada estimates the country hosts just over 3 million non-permanent residents — approximately 7.25% of the total population of 41.5 million. Achieving the 5% goal would require a reduction of around 1 million temporary residents by 2027, primarily through limits on new arrivals.
Early reductions are already visible in the international education sector, driven by the 2024 enrolment cap and tighter regulatory controls. While IRCC data still lists nearly 1 million international students in Canada as of December 31, 2024, institutions across the country have reported steep declines, suggesting official numbers will likely fall throughout 2025.
Looking ahead, the government is expected to continue tightening entry for international students through 2027. At the same time, reduced permanent residency quotas will make it more competitive for foreign graduates to secure permanent status in Canada.
Sector Voices Concern Over Policy Direction
Leaders in the international education sector responded swiftly to the election outcome and the immigration policy trajectory.
“The international education sector in Canada has faced increasing strain,” said the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) in a statement. “Recent policy changes, administrative delays, and reputational challenges have created headwinds for students, institutions, and communities. We must now come together to rebuild trust and ensure international education remains vital to Canada’s economic and social fabric.”
Universities Canada added, “Canada cannot remain competitive for global talent without a unified strategy. With other nations stepping up recruitment and uncertainty growing in the U.S., delays and unclear immigration pathways are costing us dearly. Canada’s standing as a premier destination has been undermined by recent policies.”
Pari Johnston, CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), congratulated the new government, stating, “As the educators of Canada’s essential workforce, we look forward to working with Prime Minister Carney and Parliament to help build a stronger, more resilient country.”
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