--- title: Is Canada’s Immigration Slowdown in 2025 as Sharp as Planned? description: Canada’s 2025 immigration slowdown is less drastic than expected. Explore its impact, PEI’s immigrant growth, and a skilled worker’s success in Ontario. image: https://askaia.ca/hubfs/Non-permanent-residents-as-a-share-of-population-Canada-2025.png --- [![AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg "AskAïa")](https://askaia.ca/?hsLang=en) [![AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg "AskAïa")](https://askaia.ca/?hsLang=en) - [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us) - HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services) - English - [Français](https://askaia.ca/fr/blogue/le-ralentissement-de-immigration-au-canada-en-2025-est-il-si-marque) [Log In](https://app.askaia.ca/login) Book a Demo Book a Demo Book a Demo - [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us) - HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services) [Login](https://app.askaia.ca/login) Visa Questions?Ask Aïa Book a Demo # Is Canada’s Immigration Slowdown in 2025 as Sharp as Planned? [![Editorial Team](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-askaia/ASKAIA-picto-01.png?width=40&height=40&name=ASKAIA-picto-01.png)](https://askaia.ca/blog/author/team) by [Editorial Team Meet AskAïa’s editorial team: experts in global mobility and compliance, blending first-hand immigration experience with sharp insights.](https://askaia.ca/blog/author/team) 3 min read 2/16/25, 7:02 AM ![Non permanent residents as a share of population in Canada in 2025](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Non-permanent-residents-as-a-share-of-population-Canada-2025.png?width=600&height=600&name=Non-permanent-residents-as-a-share-of-population-Canada-2025.png) Canada is adjusting its immigration policies in 2025, but is the slowdown as drastic as expected? A new Desjardins report suggests otherwise. In this article, we break down the real impact of these changes, PEI’s immigration-driven growth, and a skilled worker’s success story in Ontario. ### [![Check Your Eligibility for Canadian Immigration](https://hubspot-no-cache-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/44313412/ca33f6c4-43e1-4fea-bb72-4354af26abaf.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/44313412/ca33f6c4-43e1-4fea-bb72-4354af26abaf) ## 1. Top Story: Canada’s Immigration Slowdown Won’t Be as Sharp as Planned Canada is slowing its population growth—but not as sharply as initially announced. A new Desjardins report reveals that while the government aims to cut temporary immigration, the actual reduction is progressing slower than expected. Permanent residency remains a key focus, ensuring that skilled workers continue to find opportunities. Here’s how these changes impact companies, the economy, and future immigrants. **Key Takeaways** - Temporary Immigration Drops: Canada reduces new work and study permits, but numbers remain high due to extensions. - Economic Impact: Labor shortages could worsen in key sectors like healthcare and construction. - PR Pathways Remain Open: Skilled workers still have strong opportunities, with permanent residency targets stable. ### **Canada’s population slowdown: What Desjardins found** A recent [report from Desjardins](https://www.desjardins.com/qc/en/savings-investment/economic-studies/canada-population-feb-6-2025.html), published on February 6, 2025,  highlights that Canada’s efforts to slow its population growth are taking effect, but not as quickly as planned. The number of new temporary residents is declining, yet overall numbers remain high due to extensions and slower departures. In Q3 2024, temporary residents made up 7.4% of the population, exceeding government targets to bring it below 5% over the next three years. Permanent residency admissions have remained stable. The government set targets at **485,000 for 2024** and **395,000 for 2025**, maintaining a steady flow of skilled immigrants. While fewer study and work permits are being issued, many existing residents are transitioning to permanent status. This shift reinforces Canada’s focus on retention rather than a continuous influx of new arrivals. For more details on how these policy shifts impact immigration, check out this analysis on [Canada’s 2025-2027 immigration outlook](https://askaia.ca/blog/canada-immigration-2025-2027-how-these-5-policy-changes-affect-you?utm_source=chatgpt.com&hsLang=en). ### **What this means for companies and the economy** For businesses, especially in construction, healthcare, and tech, a slowdown in immigration could intensify labor shortages. Many sectors already rely on temporary foreign workers, and a sudden reduction could impact productivity and economic growth. Employers may need to rethink hiring strategies and focus on retaining skilled workers. Desjardins warns that a sharp reduction in temporary residents could create workforce gaps that take years to fill. However, a gradual transition toward permanent residency ensures companies can still access global talent. Programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remain strong options for hiring long-term employees. Provinces have flexibility to prioritize skilled workers in fields where demand remains high. ### **Immigration continues: Canada still needs skilled workers** While Canada is tightening its policies on temporary immigration, it continues to welcome skilled workers through permanent residency pathways. The demand for qualified professionals remains strong, and those with experience in high-demand fields will find ample opportunities to settle in Canada. At the end of 2024, **7.5% of the population was composed of temporary residents**, underscoring the challenge of reducing these numbers quickly. Given Canada’s aging population and economic needs, skilled immigration will continue to be a priority. Those considering immigration should focus on securing job offers, improving language skills, and exploring Express Entry or PNP pathways to maximize their chances. ### **What it means for immigrants** Despite policy changes, Canada remains open to immigration—especially for skilled workers looking for permanent residency. If you’re considering your options, now is the time to align your profile with Canada’s evolving priorities. [Find out how you fit into Canada’s immigration](https://askaia.ca/en/assessment-express-entry?hsLang=en) landscape with AskAïa today. ## 2. Prince Edward Island’s Focus: Immigration-Driven Growth Prince Edward Island (PEI) is seeing [rapid population growth](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-immigration-population-growth-statistics-canada-1.7426105), largely fueled by immigration. With new arrivals from China, India, and the Philippines, the province’s foreign-born population is expanding. This trend is not limited to urban centers—smaller communities like Cornwall are also benefiting from this demographic shift, strengthening local economies. - Immigration accounts for 41.3% of PEI’s recent immigrant population. - PEI's population grew by 8% from 2016 to 2021, surpassing national trends. - Smaller towns like Cornwall saw a 22.9% rise, driven by new immigrants. ## 3. Success Snapshot: Eric Bryne, A Skilled Plumber’s Journey From Ireland to Ontario In 2013, [Eric Byrne](https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2013/08/canada-welcomes-first-immigrants-under-new-federal-skilled-trades-program.html) became one of the first permanent residents under Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program. Originally from Ireland, he secured certification in Ontario and joined University Plumbing and Heating in Toronto. His journey highlights how skilled immigrants fill labor shortages and contribute to Canada's economic growth. [![Find Out if You are Eligible for Express Entry Canada](https://hubspot-no-cache-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/44313412/260ac780-016e-4eed-8bbe-50fe721772a2.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/44313412/260ac780-016e-4eed-8bbe-50fe721772a2) Topics: [Immigration News](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-news) [Ontario Immigration](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/ontario-immigration) [Prince Edward Island Immigration](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/prince-edward-island-immigration) ![askaia-dahsboard-01](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/askaia-dahsboard-01.png?width=1746&height=959&name=askaia-dahsboard-01.png) #### Let’s get your demo started Book a demo Let’s get your demo started ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [Canada in 5: Temporary Foreign Worker Boom](https://askaia.ca/blog/canada-in-5-temporary-foreign-worker-boom?hsLang=en) ![Explore Canada's temporary foreign worker boom, Saskatchewan's new Immigration Services Act, and David Suzuki's inspiring immigrant journey.](https://admis.ca/hubfs/Temporary%20Worker%20Surge%20Impacts%20Immigrant%20Landscape.jpg) [Immigration News](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-news) ### Canada in 5: Temporary Foreign Worker Boom In this edition, we explore Canada's temporary foreign worker boom and its impact on immigrants, Saskatchewan's new Immigration Services Act, and the … 4/28/24, 7:25 AM 2 min read [New Canada's 2024-2027 Immigration Plan: Impact on Permanent Residence](https://askaia.ca/blog/new-canadas-2024-2027-immigration-plan-impact-on-permanent-residence?hsLang=en) ![Canada's 2024-2027 immigration plan explained. Learn how policy changes impact permanent residency and find out how to adapt your strategy for success.](https://admis.ca/hubfs/New%20Canada%202024%202027%20Immigration%20Plan%20-%20Impact%20on%20Permanent%20Residence-.png) [Permanent Residence](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/permanent-residence) ### New Canada's 2024-2027 Immigration Plan: Impact on Permanent Residence The government announced its new immigration plan for the period 2024 to 2027 this week, sparking many questions for immigrants who need to adapt thei … 10/28/24, 11:55 AM 5 min read [Canada Expands Francophone Immigration: Key Opportunities in 2025](https://askaia.ca/blog/canada-expands-francophone-immigration-key-opportunities-in-2025?hsLang=en) ![Canada Expands Francophone Immigration: Key Opportunities in 2025](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/Canada-Expands-Francophone-Immigration-Key-Opportunities-2025.png) [Immigration News](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-news) ### Canada Expands Francophone Immigration: Key Opportunities in 2025 Canada’s immigration system has expanded significantly, but recent job cuts at IRCC pose new challenges for applicants. This article explores workforc … 2/1/25, 12:12 PM 3 min read ![askaia\_logo-1](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg)   [Join us on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/askaia-ca/) HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services?hsLang=en) Resources - [Compliance & Talent Blog](https://askaia.ca/blog) - [QEP FAQ](https://askaia.ca/en/en/faq-quebec-experience-program-qep?hsLang=en) [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us?hsLang=en) - [About AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/blog/about-askaia?hsLang=en) - [Contact Us](https://askaia.ca/pa/contact-us?hsLang=en) - [Disclaimer](https://admis.ca/disclaimer) - [Terms of Service](https://admis.ca/en/terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://admis.ca/en/privacy-policy) © 2026 ASKAÏA - All rights reserved. Powered by Admis Technologies Inc. - 5255 Avenue Decelles, Suite 5.200, Montreal, QC H3T 2B1   AskAïa is an AI-powered platform built to simplify and automate global mobility and immigration compliance for employers and international talent. Our user-friendly solution helps organizations manage work permits, renewals, and HR compliance with up-to-date insights based on current Canadian immigration rules. While AskAïa provides information and automated guidance through AI, it does not replace professional legal advice. For case-specific questions or complex immigration matters, consult a licensed Canadian immigration consultant. Trust AskAïa as your partner for compliant, efficient management of global talent mobility. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Editorial Team", "url" : "https://askaia.ca/blog/author/team" }, "dateModified" : "2025-02-16T12:02:00.589Z", "datePublished" : "2025-02-16T12:02:00.000Z", "headline" : "Is Canada’s Immigration Slowdown in 2025 as Sharp as Planned?", "image" : [ "https://askaia.ca/hubfs/Non-permanent-residents-as-a-share-of-population-Canada-2025.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://askaia.ca/blog/is-canada-immigration-slowdown-in-2025-as-sharp-as-planned", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://admis.ca/hubfs/aia-logo-800.png" }, "name" : "Admis Technologies Inc." } } ```