Temporary Resident Arrivals in Canada Continue to Decline

Canada is witnessing a noticeable drop in temporary resident arrivals in 2025, a trend that has sparked discussion across immigration circles. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), both international student and foreign worker numbers have sharply declined compared to 2024. As the government focuses on reducing the temporary resident population, these figures reflect a strategic shift in immigration policy with far-reaching implications.

Significance of the Decline in Temporary Resident Arrivals

Strategic Policy Shift

One of the most significant reasons behind the decline is the Canadian government’s intent to reduce the temporary resident population to less than 5% of the total population. This includes policy tightening on both study permits and work permits, affecting approval rates and limiting new entries.

As per recent CICNews data, the decline isn't coincidental but planned—aimed at addressing issues like housing shortages and labor market saturation.

A Sharp Year-over-Year Decline

In July 2025, new worker arrivals dropped by 37% (from 29,595 to 18,500), and new international student entries fell by a staggering 55% (from 17,140 to 7,685). That's 20,550 fewer temporary residents compared to July 2024.

This continues a broader downward trend. From January to July 2025, Canada admitted 235,070 fewer temporary residents (students and workers) than during the same period last year.

Temporary Population Numbers: The Breakdown

• Study Permit Holders
  July 2025: 499,365
  July 2024: 619,070
  ↓ 119,705 fewer international students

• Work Permit Holders
  July 2025: 1,494,905
  July 2024: 1,423,545
  ↑ Slight increase of 71,360

• Dual Permit Holders (study + work)
  July 2025: 286,465
  July 2024: 356,380
  ↓ Significant drop of 69,915

Despite a decline in students, work permit numbers are holding steady, largely due to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) issued to recent graduates.

Policy Impact: Scaling Back Programs

The downward trend began in early 2024 with new IRCC policies designed to control population growth and protect infrastructure like housing and healthcare. The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan further set strict targets:

• International Mobility Program (IMP):
  2025 target – 285,750 new arrivals
  2026 target – 128,700 (↓55%)

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
  2025 & 2026 target – 82,000 new arrivals (flat)

This structured decrease in new arrivals directly impacts immigration applicants planning to come to Canada through study or work pathways.

Misconceptions and Political Debate

Political leaders have taken notice. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre recently criticized the government, claiming the TFWP exceeded its annual targets. However, the 105,000 permits cited by Poilievre included renewals and extensions, not new arrivals.

In reality, new TFWP arrivals between January and June 2025 totaled only 33,700, just 41% of the annual target—indicating that new issuance is still within expected limits.

Population Impact

Canada’s total population saw minimal growth from January to April 2025—just 0.0%—primarily due to the reduced temporary resident numbers. The decline in temporary residents (by over 61,000 during this period) reflects the government’s active role in controlling overall immigration numbers.

The continued drop in temporary resident arrivals to Canada is more than just numbers—it’s a reflection of a shifting immigration landscape. With tighter regulations, reduced quotas, and a push for long-term sustainability, prospective immigrants must now plan smarter and adapt quickly.

Want to know if you're still eligible to come to Canada under current rules? Visit A2Zimmi or book a consultation to get personalized guidance today!