Canada's immigration minister, Lena Diab, has formally presented the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which sets the country's targets and priorities for the next three years.
The new plan aims to balance population growth against infrastructure capacity, prioritising immigrants with the strongest potential for economic and social integration. Whether you are already in Canada or planning to come, now is the moment to understand what changes — and adjust your route accordingly.
Permanent resident targets
The plan sets the following annual immigration targets:
- 📌 2025: 395,000 new permanent residents
- 📌 2026: 380,000
- 📌 2027: 365,000
➡️ On average, 62% of admissions will go to economic immigration, including:
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Pilot programs (Rural, Agri-Food, Atlantic)
- Start-up Visa
This gradual step down is intended to ease the pressure on housing, public services and urban infrastructure.
Express Entry: category-based invitations continue
The Canadian government will continue running category-based draws within Express Entry, focused on sectors facing labour shortages.
The priority categories are:
- Healthcare professionals
- The education sector
- Construction and technical trades
- People with advanced French proficiency
📊 In June 2025, for example, more than 6,000 candidates were invited through the Canadian Experience Class — evidence of how much weight is given to existing experience in the country.
Priority for those already in Canada
IRCC's target is for more than 40% of 2025 approvals to go to people already living in Canada on temporary status, such as students and workers.
The PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) will be one of the main transition routes to permanent residence, especially for those already contributing economically to the province where they live.
Family reunification
By 2027, Canada wants 22% of approvals to go to spouses and children of permanent residents.
The plan also provides for:
- Measures to speed up processing
- Better communication about timelines
- A temporary pause on private sponsorship applications (G5 and Community Sponsors) until December 2025
Francophone immigration outside Quebec
The 2025 target is for 8.5% of new permanent residents outside Quebec to be francophone.
The plan includes:
- Dedicated programs and invitations within Express Entry
- Integration support in minority francophone communities
- Strengthening the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative
Refugees and humanitarian cases
Canada will maintain its tradition of protection:
- 15% of admissions will go to refugees and people under humanitarian protection
- International partnerships will be reinforced
- Vulnerable populations will continue to be prioritised
Integration, employability and diversity
The plan also highlights:
- More strategic selection of candidates with high integration potential
- Investment in recognising foreign diplomas and credentials
- A focus on women, young people, and professionals in fields such as healthcare, STEM, transport and essential services
Conclusion: what does this mean for you?
📍 If you are already in Canada: the window is open. Now is the moment to sharpen your profile, improve your Express Entry score and look at provincial routes (PNP).
📍 If you are still outside Canada: planning is everything. A focus on priority fields, regional programs and studies aligned with the labour market will matter more and more.
📩 Want to understand which route fits your profile? Talk to the Turas Immigration team and build a plan made for your situation, with professional guidance.
📅 Book your consultation now
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