Canada’s Temporary Resident Numbers Decline: A Policy-Driven Shift

Between 2024 and 2025, Canada experienced a significant decrease in the total number of study and work permit holders, marking the first decline in years. The figures reveal a drop of 14,954 individuals, signaling a notable shift following a period of rapid expansion. Notably, the previous year had seen a substantial increase of over 780,000 non-permanent residents before the implementation of new restrictions.

The decline primarily impacted major metropolitan areas, with Toronto leading in net losses, followed by Vancouver and other key centers in Ontario and British Columbia. However, Quebec and Alberta witnessed gains, with Montréal, Calgary, and Edmonton registering increases. Additionally, smaller population centers observed a slight uptick in temporary residents.

It is important to note that these statistics reflect total resident levels rather than new arrivals, which have been on a downward trend since 2024. This trend correlates with recent policy adjustments by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, such as stricter study permit quotas, enhanced Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) regulations, limitations on spousal open work permits, and new constraints within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Overall, the data underscores a deliberate policy-induced deceleration in Canada’s temporary resident growth.