Canada is set to reduce its intake of permanent residents in 2026, with the federal government announcing a plan to admit 380,000 individuals, a decrease of approximately 15,000 from the previously projected figure of 395,000 for 2025. This trend marks a significant decline, especially when compared to the 483,640 permanent residents admitted in 2024.
The Canadian immigration system is undergoing notable changes, as immigration lawyer Ravi Jain emphasizes the need for newcomers to support Canada’s labor force. He argues that the country requires more immigrants, saying, “Canada needs immigrants, it needs people,” as the labor force growth is heavily reliant on immigration. Such reductions come amid demographic concerns, as Canada’s population growth reportedly decreased by 0.2 percent in the third quarter of 2025, according to Statistics Canada. Jain indicates that there is an ongoing need for labor in various sectors, including caregiving, construction, and transportation, highlighting the necessity for holistic immigration policies.
Changes Affecting International Students, Temporary Workers, and Refugees
In a broader context, the federal government is implementing changes intended to limit temporary resident volumes. This includes a significant reduction in the issuance of student visas, with the government planning to issue only 155,000 visas in 2026, down from 437,000 in 2025. Jain criticizes the decision, asserting it would be more ethical to facilitate transitions for students who have made commitments to Canada.
In addition to student visas, Canada will also admit fewer temporary workers this year, allowing for 230,000 compared to 365,000 last year. The number of refugees and protected persons is also projected to decline slightly to 56,200, indicating a tightening of the immigration and refugee systems. The federal government is considering Bill C-12, which would impose restrictions on refugee applications and grant the government the authority to halt new immigration applications in the interest of public safety.
Critics such as Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair in migration and integration, view many of these proposed measures as unnecessary, asserting that Canada already possesses a robust asylum system that effectively addresses varying durations of stay and status of applicants.
Focus on French-speaking Permanent Residents
Amidst these changes, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab outlined a concerted effort to attract French-speaking permanent residents, particularly those residing outside Quebec. The projections indicate an increase in French-speaking permanent resident admissions to 30,267 in 2026, up from 29,325 in 2025. Jain recognizes the political dimensions of prioritizing French-speaking candidates, arguing that this focus might overshadow other qualified individuals who could contribute economically.
The Contribution of Immigrants
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plan for 2026 to 2028 emphasizes economic immigration aimed at attracting top talent to fill critical labor gaps. Triandafyllidou elucidates the multifaceted value that immigrants bring to Canada, including diverse skills, knowledge, and global networks, particularly from significant regions like China and India. However, she stresses the necessity for the Canadian system to better facilitate the integration of immigrants into professional sectors aligned with their qualifications and experiences.
Overall, while Canada’s immigration landscape faces considerable adjustments and challenges, the ongoing discourse among experts underscores the critical role that newcomers play in fostering economic growth and addressing the country’s demographic shifts. The government’s strategies will continue to evolve in response to varying economic demands and societal needs.
