For the first time in several years, Canada has experienced a year-over-year drop in the total number of temporary residents—marking a pivotal shift in the country’s immigration landscape. According to Maple News, this reversal is largely attributed to new immigration policies aimed at managing the rapid influx of temporary foreign workers and international students.
Between 2024 and 2025, Canada recorded a net loss of 14,954 temporary residents (TRs), a sharp contrast to the net increase of 781,075 TRs observed between 2023 and 2024. This change follows the federal government’s efforts to stabilize population growth amid widespread housing shortages, strained public services, and economic pressures.
Canada’s largest urban centres bore the brunt of the decline. Metropolitan areas like Toronto, Vancouver, and Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo experienced the most significant net losses, with Toronto alone losing nearly 45,000 temporary residents. British Columbia and Ontario were among the provinces with the largest decreases, although Quebec and Alberta bucked the trend with modest gains in TR numbers.
Interestingly, smaller population centres across the country saw slight growth in temporary resident figures—gaining approximately 3,524 individuals. This suggests a possible redistribution effect as some immigrants and temporary residents seek more affordable and less saturated communities.
The data reflects existing TR populations rather than just new arrivals. While the pace of new study and work permit issuances has already slowed since 2024, overall TR levels take time to adjust, as many individuals still hold valid permits issued prior to the policy changes. Renewals and extensions, however, are now subject to more stringent criteria, leading to declines as fewer applicants qualify.
Adding to the demographic shift, about 120,000 individuals left Canada between 2024 and 2025—a figure that includes both permanent and temporary departures. While not unprecedented, the number highlights how immigration patterns are evolving in reaction to both domestic policy and global mobility trends.
The most affected cities by net TR loss include:
– Toronto, ON: -44,792
– Vancouver, BC: -10,098
– Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo, ON: -7,365
– London, ON: -1,777
– Hamilton, ON: -1,695
– Winnipeg, MB: -1,559
As policy changes ripple through Canada’s immigration system, the role of temporary residents continues to evolve. According to Maple News, these numbers offer a glimpse into how Canada’s approach to welcoming foreign talent and students is being recalibrated to meet economic and social priorities.