Canada is making changes to the number of international students and temporary workers coming to the country. The goal is to keep immigration at a level that is easier for communities, housing, and services to handle, while still welcoming people who want to study, work, and contribute to Canada.

Key Highlights:

• Fewer Arrivals in 2025: From January to July 2025, about 235,000 fewer students and temporary workersarrived in Canada compared to the same time in 2024.
• International Students:
  • A national cap on study permits was introduced in 2024, with a further 10% reduction in 2025.
  • Students must now meet higher financial requirements and have their acceptance letters verified.
  • From January to July 2025, 98,000 fewer students arrived in Canada compared to 2024.
• Temporary Workers:
  • Stricter rules on low-wage positions and higher wage requirements for high-wage position jobs.
  • Limits on work permits for spouses of students and temporary workers.
  • From January to July 2025, 137,000 fewer workers arrived compared to 2024.
• Current Numbers (as of July 31, 2025):
  • 499,000 hold only a study permit.
  • 1.49 million hold only a work permit.
  • 286,000 holds both a study and work permit.
• Pathway to Permanent Residence:
  • From January to July 2025, more than 123,000 temporary residents became permanent residents. That’s about half of all new permanent residents during that time.
  • Many got permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Canada wants to keep immigration balanced: helping people who are already here stay and grow, while making sure communities and services can handle new arrivals.

Source from: IRCC Newsroom