Canada is still on pace to exceed its 2025 immigration target, despite a slower start and controversy over delayed data. IRCC revealed that 207,650 new permanent residents arrived in the first half of the year, fewer than in 2024 and 2023.

However, projections indicate that Canada could welcome approximately 415,000 newcomers by the end of December, surpassing the official target of 395,000. Work permits under the International Mobility Program dropped sharply to 302,280, while Temporary Foreign Worker Program numbers stayed stable at 105,195.

Study permits saw the largest decline, falling to 149,860. Critics slammed the government for withholding immigration data for months, raising concerns over transparency and trust in IRCC’s reporting.