Canada is making significant changes to its temporary residence programs to better manage the influx of international students and temporary workers. Starting in 2025, the intake cap for international student study permits will be reduced by 10%, from 485,000 to 437,000. This cap will be maintained for 2026.
The government is also implementing stricter eligibility criteria for work permits. New restrictions will limit work permits to spouses of master’s degree students in programs lasting at least 16 months, and to spouses of foreign workers in managerial or professional roles or in sectors experiencing labor shortages.
These adjustments aim to align immigration policies with Canada’s evolving economic and humanitarian needs while maintaining system integrity. In a recent statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada highlighted that these changes are necessary to respond to the country’s current and future needs.
The Canadian government is also addressing asylum system integrity, including implementing partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals and enhancing fraud detection measures.
The overall goal is to reduce the proportion of temporary residents in Canada from 6.5% to 5% of the population by 2026. This is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Canada’s immigration system remains sustainable and effective in the face of changing economic conditions and labor market needs.
For further details, including eligibility changes and additional measures, individuals can visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
