Over 817,000 immigrants came to Canada in the first four months of 2025

KCJ Media Group Ltd.

Canada welcomed over 817,000 newcomers in the first four months of 2025, according to federal immigration data. This figure includes 132,100 individuals granted permanent residency, 194,000 study permits, and 491,400 work permits (including extensions) processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

The surge in immigration comes amid the federal government's plans to reduce immigration targets over the next three years. In October 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a revised Immigration Levels Plan, aiming to admit 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027, down from the previous target of 485,000 in 2024.

Canada's federal government is facing mounting criticism over its handling of immigration policy, with many Canadians expressing concerns about the strain on housing, healthcare, and social services. Despite promises to manage immigration responsibly, the Liberal government's approach has led to significant challenges across the country.

The surge in immigration has exacerbated Canada's housing crisis. From 2016 to 2021, the Greater Toronto Area welcomed over 820,000 immigrants but approved fewer than 320,000 housing units, leading to a severe supply-demand imbalance and soaring housing prices. A TD Bank report warned that continuing with a high-growth immigration strategy could widen the housing shortfall by about half a million units within just two years.

Critics argue that the government's immigration policies have failed to align with the country's infrastructure and labor market needs. The reduction in immigration targets, announced in October 2024, aims to address these issues, but some industry groups warn that it could hurt the labor pool and economic growth.

As Canada grapples with these challenges, many are calling for a more balanced and sustainable approach to immigration that considers the country's capacity to support newcomers while maintaining quality of life for all residents.