Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Canada's Immigration Slowdown Hits Indians Hardest
Canada has been reducing the number of permanent residents it accepts, and this change is affecting Indian applicants the most.
Over the first five months of this year, the number of permanent residents from India dropped by nearly 25%.
This is because Indians make up a large portion of Canada's permanent residents, so when Canada cuts back, Indians are affected the most.
Canada wants to stabilize its immigration numbers to below 1% of its population each year starting in 2027.
This is a big change from previous years when the number of Indian permanent residents was increasing rapidly.
Canada's permanent residency admissions fell by 12.5% from January to May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Indian permanent residency admissions dropped by nearly 25% over the same period.
Over 57% of the overall decline in permanent residents came from the reduction in Indian admissions.
Canada aims to stabilize immigration levels to below 1% of its population annually beyond 2027.
Indian permanent residency admissions peaked at 139,790 in 2023 but have since declined.
- Who
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- What
- Canada's immigration slowdown affecting Indian applicants
- When
- January to May 2026
- Where
- Canada
- Why
- Canada aims to stabilize immigration levels and prioritize those already contributing to the country.
Government's Immigration Policy
Indian Applicants
Immigration Reduction
Government's Immigration Policy
Canada is reducing immigration to stabilize population growth.
Indian Applicants
Indian applicants face significant declines in permanent residency approvals.
- Total Permanent Residents (Jan-May 2026)
- 147,260
- Total Permanent Residents (Jan-May 2025)
- 168,800
- Permanent Residents from India (Jan-May 2026)
- 36,910
- Permanent Residents from India (Jan-May 2025)
- 49,115
- Overall Decline in Permanent Residents
- 21,540
- Percentage of Decline from India
- 57%
- Canada's Immigration Target Beyond 2027
- Below 1% of population annually
- Permanent Residents in 2025
- 393,530
- Permanent Residents in 2024
- 483,655
- Indian Permanent Residents in 2025
- 98,770
- Indian Permanent Residents in 2024
- 127,375
- Indian Permanent Residents in 2023
- 139,790
- Indian Permanent Residents in 2020
- 42,875