January 15, 2026
RED FM News Desk
Canada admitted approximately 393,500 new permanent residents in 2025, a figure the federal government says closely aligns with its immigration targets for the year.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed the total on Thursday, noting the number came in slightly below earlier projections released in the fall of 2024. At that time, Ottawa outlined its 2025–2027 immigration Levels Plan, which signalled a shift toward slowing short-term population growth.
The final count for 2025 falls roughly 2,000 people short of the government’s target of 395,000 permanent residents for the year. Despite the marginal gap, officials say the results remain consistent with the broader strategy set out in the plan.
Looking ahead, Canada plans to admit 380,000 permanent residents in both 2026 and 2027. Beyond that period, the federal government has committed to keeping annual permanent resident admissions below one per cent of the country’s total population.
IRCC also confirmed that a portion of upcoming permanent resident spots will be reserved for people already living and working in Canada. Of the visas approved over the next two years, 33,000 will be allocated to temporary workers currently in the country.
“This initiative will target workers who have established strong roots in their communities, are paying taxes and are helping to build the strong economy Canada needs,” the department said in a statement.
The updated figures come amid ongoing national debates around housing supply, infrastructure pressures, and labour shortages, all of which continue to shape Canada’s evolving immigration policy.
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