Canada Announces Reduction in Immigration Acceptance Over Three-Year Plan; Aims to 'Stop Population Growth'

On Thursday, November 3, the Canadian government announced its immigration policies until 2027, revealing a significant reduction in the acceptance of immigrants during this period. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated, "We intend to significantly reduce the number of immigrants coming to Canada over the next three years. This is a temporary measure aimed at stopping population growth and improving the country's economic situation." Immigration Minister Marc Miller also mentioned, "Immigration is essential for the success and economic growth of our country, but in response to current needs, we will temporarily halt the acceptance of new immigrants to achieve managed and sustainable population growth." According to the new government plan, the acceptance of new immigrants will decrease by 21%, with Canada expected to welcome 445,901 immigrants in 2025 and 445,662 in 2026. Meanwhile, the federal government had previously announced on September 19 that it would further reduce the number of student visas for foreign students and impose stricter regulations on work permits. These changes will also limit work permits for spouses of certain students and temporary foreign workers. Canada simultaneously announced that, as visa issuance laws tighten, there is likely to be an increase in asylum requests, prompting the government to strengthen trained officers to detect fraud and reduce the number of applicants. The Liberal government of Justin Trudeau had previously committed to reducing the number of temporary residents in Canada from 6.8% to 5% of the total population. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada had also announced on August 29 that it would stop issuing work permits to holders of tourist visas from within Canada. Many Canadians believe that the increase in the irregular acceptance of immigrants under Trudeau's government is a major factor behind issues such as housing shortages, job scarcity, and rising living costs. Two brothers convicted of violating sanctions against the Islamic Republic in the U.S. are living in Canada under new identities. Canada is tightening its immigration laws; the issuance of student and work visas is decreasing, and the entry of more former officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran into Canada is being prohibited. Entry into Canada is becoming more difficult, with a higher number of visa applications being rejected. Canada has revoked the law allowing work permit applications for foreign tourists.