Maple News reports that Canada is undergoing a significant and deliberate reduction in the number of international students and temporary foreign workers entering the country—part of a broader shift in federal immigration policy aimed at restoring balance to the temporary resident population. New federal data shows a marked downturn in these categories through 2024 and into 2025, a result of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s effort to return temporary migration to what it calls ‘sustainable levels.’
The change aligns with Canada’s updated Immigration Levels Plan, which includes a commitment to reduce the share of temporary residents to below five per cent of the total population. According to the government, this is necessary to relieve pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services, while prioritizing the integration and transition of those already living and working in Canada.
Between January and November 2025, combined arrivals of international students and temporary workers fell by 52 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. That translates to 334,845 fewer newcomers. Although traditional seasonal peaks in August and December persist, these surges are now significantly muted. For example, by November 2025, monthly arrivals had dropped to just 2,485 new international students and 13,365 temporary workers—figures that were unthinkable just two years prior.
International student numbers experienced the hardest hit. Canada admitted 60 per cent fewer new students between January and November 2025 compared to the same months in 2024. This decrease of over 157,000 arrivals follows the introduction of an annual study permit cap, enhanced verification processes to combat fraud, and stricter financial requirements. While August typically sees the largest influx of students ahead of the fall term, the number dropped to 45,065 in 2025, down from nearly 80,000 in August 2024.
Temporary worker arrivals also declined, though less sharply, with a 47 per cent reduction during the same timeframe—equivalent to 177,465 fewer individuals. This reflects a set of reforms targeting low-wage sectors. The government introduced a 10 per cent cap on such hires under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and limited applications in cities with unemployment rates exceeding six per cent. At the same time, changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit program and restrictions on spousal open work permits further curbed new entries.
Despite the decline in new arrivals, the total number of temporary residents within the country has declined more gradually. As of November 2025, 476,330 individuals held only a study permit, down from over 670,000 at the beginning of 2024. Meanwhile, 1.49 million people held only a work permit—still above 2023 levels—due to the long processing timelines and validity periods established under earlier rules.
In tandem with limiting new entries, the government is focusing on transitioning temporary residents to permanent status. From January to November 2025, more than 177,000 individuals moved from temporary to permanent residency. These applicants, many of whom are already integrated through Canadian work or education, made up nearly half of all new permanent residents that year. Most transitioned through economic class programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The federal government maintains that this dual strategy—curbing temporary arrivals while boosting permanent transitions—allows Canada to manage short-term infrastructure and housing demands without undermining long-term economic goals. The emphasis now lies in selecting well-integrated candidates and addressing regional labor needs through permanent immigration pathways.
As Canada recalibrates its migration strategy, the data makes one thing clear: the era of rapid growth in temporary student and worker numbers is giving way to more measured, longer-term immigration goals.