An IMGW News Report
Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has unveiled a sweeping recalibration of the country’s immigration policy, aiming to reconcile its traditional openness with mounting concerns over infrastructure, housing, and public services.
In his first major policy address since taking office in March 2025, Mr Carney pledged to reduce both permanent and temporary migration to what he described as “sustainable levels” by 2027.
His government’s three-year plan will see annual permanent residency admissions scaled down from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025, falling further to 365,000 by 2027 – roughly 0.9% of Canada’s population. Temporary residents, who currently comprise over 7% of the population, will be reduced to below 5% by the same date. The measures are aimed at relieving pressure on housing, healthcare, and the labour market, which have strained under record-high immigration figures in recent years.
“here are also plans to raise the share of francophone immigrants outside Quebec, targeting 10% by 2027 and 12% by 2029”
The policy reflects a shift from the approach taken by the previous Liberal administration under Justin Trudeau, which had expanded immigration to offset demographic decline and labour shortages. Mr Carney, however, insists that growth must be tempered by absorption capacity: “Canada will remain a welcoming country, but we cannot allow immigration to outpace our ability to provide homes, services, and jobs,” he stated.
Among the most significant shifts is a clampdown on international student numbers and spousal work permits, alongside tighter rules for study and work visa applicants. Meanwhile, the government promises a smoother pathway to permanent residency for skilled temporary workers already in Canada. There are also plans to raise the share of francophone immigrants outside Quebec, targeting 10% by 2027 and 12% by 2029.
Mr Carney also signalled a revamped Global Skills Strategy to expedite the arrival of high-value talent, particularly from the United States, and pledged closer coordination with provinces to speed up credential recognition for foreign professionals.
In tone and substance, this is not a closing of doors, but a controlled narrowing – an effort to preserve public trust in immigration by addressing the cracks in Canada’s overstretched systems before they widen further.
