Canada is making significant changes to its temporary residence programs to better manage the influx of temporary residents and uphold the integrity of its immigration system. As part of these adjustments, the government announced a 10% reduction in the intake cap for international student study permits for 2025 and stricter eligibility criteria for work permits.

According to a news release issued on Thursday, these reforms aim to align Canada’s immigration policies with evolving economic and humanitarian needs while ensuring a sustainable system. In a post by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the agency emphasized the need to manage the volume of temporary residents, protect vulnerable individuals, and uphold the system’s integrity.

In 2022, Canada first introduced plans to cap international student intakes, and now, the government is further reducing the cap for study permits, from 485,000 to 437,000 for 2025, maintaining the same limit for 2026. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program will also be updated to better align with labor market demands. Beginning later this year, work permits will only be granted to spouses of master’s students whose programs last at least 16 months, as well as spouses of foreign workers in management or professional roles or in sectors facing labor shortages.

The government is also introducing partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals and enhanced fraud detection measures to protect the asylum system’s integrity. Canada aims to reduce the proportion of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of the population by 2026, making significant reforms to both the International Student Program and temporary foreign worker eligibility to address economic challenges.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller noted, “Not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to, nor will everyone who wants to stay be able to.” He emphasized the need for a sustainable and well-managed immigration system that can support the country’s evolving needs.

Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, stressed that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is being adjusted to prioritize Canadian workers, ensuring the program serves the economy’s needs more effectively.

The reduction of temporary residents to 5% of the population will be reflected in Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, set to be released by November 1, 2024. Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program will also require applicants to demonstrate minimum language proficiency, with higher standards for university graduates.

In August 2023, Canada hinted that rising housing costs could lead to limits on foreign student visas, as part of broader efforts to address economic pressures. Further details on these measures will be provided in the coming months.