Canada Opens Public Consultations to Shape Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028
Government Calls on Citizens, Stakeholders, and Communities to Guide the Future of Immigration Policy
In a pivotal move toward shaping the future of Canadian immigration, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially launched a national consultation process for the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. This public consultation, which runs from July 21 to August 17, 2025, invites Canadian citizens, permanent residents, business leaders, community stakeholders, academics, advocacy groups, and non-profit organizations to provide input on the direction of Canada’s immigration system.
The consultations come as Canada faces complex challenges related to economic growth, labour shortages, housing pressures, population aging, and infrastructure capacity. The resulting feedback will directly inform immigration policy decisions and contribute to the next Immigration Levels Plan, which will be tabled in Parliament by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab in November 2025.
Strategic Priorities of the 2025 Consultations
The government has outlined three core goals for the 2026–2028 immigration planning period:
1. Reducing the Non-Permanent Resident Population
In an effort to address national concerns related to housing availability, public infrastructure strain, and regional service delivery, Canada plans to cap the non-permanent resident population at no more than 5% of the total national population by 2027.
Non-permanent residents include international students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers. Their growing numbers have contributed to increased pressure on urban rental markets, transit systems, and provincial health services.
2. Stabilizing Permanent Resident Admissions
The plan proposes to limit new permanent resident admissions to under 1% of the Canadian population annually. This approach is intended to ensure sustainable immigration growth, manageable settlement integration, and equitable access to social supports.
3. Enhancing Francophone Immigration
Canada remains committed to increasing the representation of Francophone newcomers outside Quebec. The consultation proposes to achieve a 12% Francophone immigration target by 2029, which will help preserve linguistic diversity and strengthen Francophone minority communities across provinces such as Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba.
Key Questions Being Asked of the Public
IRCC is seeking opinions and recommendations across a wide range of immigration policy areas:
– Balancing Immigration Classes
Which should be prioritized—economic immigration, family reunification, refugee resettlement, or regional population growth?
– Managing Temporary Residents
With a proposed 516,600 temporary residents in 2026 (210,700 workers and 305,900 students), the public is asked whether these targets are too high, too low, or appropriate. Should Canada reduce, increase, or maintain these levels in future years?
– Sustaining Permanent Residency Growth
The permanent resident target is set at 380,000 in 2026, dropping slightly to 365,000 in 2027. Canadians are asked whether future levels should be increased, stabilized, or reduced, and which categories—economic, family, humanitarian—should receive priority.
– Francophone Community Development
What strategies will be most effective in increasing French-speaking immigration outside Quebec? IRCC is exploring better selection tools, employment matching, and enhanced settlement services for Francophone newcomers.
– Addressing Systemic Barriers
Participants are encouraged to propose ways to reduce discrimination, improve credential recognition for internationally educated professionals, and promote fair access to employment and services.
– Community Support and Infrastructure
How can governments better prepare Canadian communities to welcome and support newcomers? Suggested focus areas include:
- Affordable housing development
- Healthcare system capacity
- Public transportation
- Access to quality education and childcare
- Language training and employment services
Who Can Participate?
This consultation is open to all Canadians, including:
- Citizens and permanent residents
- Employers and business groups
- Immigrant-serving organizations
- Educators and academic institutions
- Municipal and provincial governments
- Indigenous communities and minority advocacy groups
- Francophone communities outside Quebec
- Non-profit and humanitarian organizations
How to Participate
There are multiple ways to get involved:
- Complete the Online Survey: Available through the IRCC website
- Attend Roundtables and Virtual Events: Hosted by IRCC in select cities and online
- Submit Written Feedback: Direct submissions can be emailed to IRCC detailing your views and recommendations
All feedback must be submitted by August 17, 2025, to be considered for the next Immigration Levels Plan.
Challenges and Considerations
While immigration is widely seen as critical to Canada’s future prosperity, opinions remain divided on how much is too much. Critics of high immigration levels cite housing affordability, wage competition, and overstretched public services as concerns. Supporters emphasize that immigration is essential for addressing labor shortages, economic innovation, and demographic decline.
One particularly contentious proposal is the reduction of international student numbers, which has raised alarms among post-secondary institutions and urban landlords who rely on tuition and rental revenue.
Conversely, the business community is urging the government not to overcorrect, warning that tightening work permits could hurt industries already facing labor deficits.
Looking Forward: Shaping Canada’s Future Together
This consultation isn’t just about immigration numbers—it’s about defining what kind of country Canada wants to be. Every voice matters. Whether you’re an entrepreneur hiring newcomers, a student navigating visa systems, or a resident concerned about housing supply—your perspective could influence national policy.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
