Canada’s new government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has signaled a more conservative approach to immigration. Following the federal election on April 28, 2025, the Liberal Party was returned to a minority government, and Prime Minister Carney emphasized that immigration remains a priority policy area for the new government.
Reduced Immigration Targets
The Canadian government has set new immigration targets for 2025-2027, which include phased reductions to permanent resident admissions. The targets are:
- 395,000 permanent resident admissions in 2025
- 380,000 in 2026
- 365,000 in 2027
These targets represent a major reduction from the previous plans, which aimed to add 500,000 permanent residents per year. The government also aims to reduce the overall proportion of temporary residents, including foreign students and temporary workers, to 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027.
However, reaching this target may be challenging, given that Statistics Canada estimates that there were over 3 million non-permanent residents in the country as of Q1 2025, including a foreign student base of just under 1 million. This means that the proportion of temporary residents is currently around 7.25%, and the government would need to reduce the number of non-permanent residents by roughly 1 million over the next three years.
The reduction in immigration targets will likely have a major impact on international students. The government has already introduced restrictive policies, including a foreign enrolment cap, which has led to a decline in international student numbers. The number of new students entering the country is expected to be restricted through 2027, and foreign graduates wishing to take up permanent residency in Canada will face a more competitive process.
Canada’s peak bodies in international education have responded to the new government’s immigration policies. The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) emphasized the need to rebuild trust, modernize systems, and strategically position international education as a cornerstone of Canada’s prosperity and resilience. Universities Canada highlighted the importance of a bold, coordinated plan to attract top talent, while Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) expressed its commitment to working with the government to meet the moment and build a strong and resilient Canada.
The new government’s approach to immigration marks a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy. While the government aims to reduce the number of temporary residents and permanent admissions, international educators are calling for a more coordinated and strategic approach to attract top talent and build a strong and resilient Canada. The impact of these changes on international students and the education sector will be closely watched in the coming years.
