Canada recorded a 53 per cent decline in new international student and temporary worker arrivals between January and September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to data published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The reduction is part of Canada’s efforts to manage migration more sustainably and ease pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services.
New international student arrivals fell by 60 per cent during the period, representing 150,220 fewer students compared to the first nine months of 2024. In September alone, 11,390 study permit holders arrived, sharply down from 45,200 in August.
The decline follows deliberate policy changes introduced by the Canadian government. Since 2024, the number of study permits issued has been capped, with the cap further reduced by 10 per cent in 2025. Authorities have also introduced stricter measures, including mandatory verification of acceptance letters and higher financial requirements, to curb study permit fraud.
The government plans to continue scaling back new student admissions between 2026 and 2028 under its Immigration Levels Plan, aiming to maintain manageable migration levels.
Temporary worker arrivals fell by 48 per cent, a drop of 158,660, between January and September 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. In September, 17,515 new temporary workers arrived.
As of the end of September, 1,494,900 people in Canada held only a work permit, while 251,300 held both work and study permits. Officials stated that reducing temporary worker numbers will prioritize job opportunities for residents and better align immigration with labour market needs.
Despite the decline in new arrivals, Canada continues to support temporary residents transitioning to permanent residence. From January to September 2025, over 154,000 former temporary residents became permanent residents, accounting for about half of all new permanent residents admitted during the period.
IRCC noted that many of these individuals already possess Canadian education, work experience, and strong language skills, typically applying through economic immigration pathways such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program. This approach helps Canada leverage the contributions of residents while easing pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services.
As of 30 September 2025, 473,860 people held only a study permit, 1,494,900 held only a work permit, and 251,300 held both. The sharp decline in arrivals is expected to affect university enrolments and industries reliant on temporary workers, prompting adjustments in staffing strategies.
Under the Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to reduce the temporary resident population to less than five per cent of the total population. Targets for 2026–2028 include 155,000 new international student arrivals (49 per cent fewer than the 2025 target), 230,000 new temporary worker arrivals (37 per cent below 2025), and 380,000 new permanent residents (4 per cent lower than 2025). The government also plans to fast-track permanent residence for 33,000 skilled temporary workers between 2026 and 2027, focusing on those already employed in communities, particularly rural areas and high-demand sectors.
