According to Maple News, immigration to Canada has undergone a relentless transformation since 2015, with temporary residents accounting for a rapidly growing share of newcomers. A recent study by the Fraser Institute reveals that not only have overall immigration numbers surged under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government, but the composition of newcomers has also shifted dramatically—from primarily permanent residents to a growing majority of temporary workers and international students.
In 2000, immigrant admissions equaled roughly 1.5% of Canada’s population. By 2024, that number climbed to 5%, marking a nearly fourfold increase. While permanent immigration continued to grow, the most striking change was in non-permanent residents, who rose from 13% of all newcomers in 2000 to over 40% in 2024. This group includes temporary foreign workers, international students, and other short-term visa holders.
Several federal initiatives contributed to this expansion. Key among them were more flexible work visa pathways through the International Mobility Program (2014), expedited processing for skilled workers under the Global Skills Strategy (2017), and Express Entry reforms favouring those with Canadian work or study experience. In addition, provinces and educational institutions faced no limits when enrolling international students, allowing numbers to grow well beyond expectations.
The result? A record influx of high-potential candidates. Over 90% of recent immigrants now speak English or French, and nearly 40% hold at least a bachelor’s degree — up from 30% a decade earlier. Employment outcomes have also improved, especially among degree-holders, though full parity with Canadian-born professionals remains a work in progress.
However, not all consequences have been positive. Rising housing prices, strained public services, and regional infrastructure limitations have caused growing public concern. In response, Ottawa announced a major policy pivot in its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan. The federal government will cap permanent immigration at 395,000 in 2025 and limit non-permanent residents to no more than 5% of the population by 2027.
As part of this transition, new restrictions on study permit issuance, tighter enforcement of work visa rules, and a renewed focus on economic value aim to slow growth while preserving national benefits. The objective is to align immigration better with labour market demand, economic priorities and available housing.
Looking ahead, analysts and economists emphasize the need for smarter, evidence-based immigration policies. The Fraser Institute urges policymakers to streamline foreign credential recognition, closely monitor temporary programs, and ensure targeted pathways that support Canada’s long-term interests.
With immigration policy now at the center of economic and social debates, Maple News will continue to track how Canada recalibrates its approach — balancing nation-building with affordability, infrastructure, and integration.