Half of Canadians believe current immigration levels are too high, according to new public opinion research released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The department's polling data, published in early June 2026, marks a significant shift in public sentiment compared to previous years when support for immigration remained relatively stable.

The findings come as Canada continues to process record numbers of permanent residence applications and temporary resident permits. In 2023, the federal government admitted over 471,000 permanent residents, the highest annual total in Canadian history, while temporary resident numbers — including international students and foreign workers — have also climbed substantially. IRCC's own tracking shows public approval for immigration levels has declined steadily since 2022, when fewer than 40 percent of respondents expressed concern about intake volumes.

The polling captured responses across multiple demographic groups and regions. Concerns about immigration levels were highest in Ontario and British Columbia, provinces that receive the largest shares of newcomers. Respondents cited housing affordability, healthcare system capacity, and labour market competition as primary reasons for wanting lower admission targets. The data also showed variation by age group, with Canadians over 55 more likely to support reductions than those under 35.

"Public opinion on immigration remains an important consideration in policy development," the official release on canada.ca states.