For the first time in several years, Canada has reported a decline in the number of foreign workers and international students. Between 2024 and 2025, the country saw a net decrease of 14,954 temporary residents, marking a major shift in immigration trends after years of continuous growth.
Previously, between 2023 and 2024, Canada added more than 781,000 non-permanent residents, before new immigration restrictions were introduced.
🏙 Major Cities See the Biggest Declines
Canada’s largest metropolitan areas recorded the highest losses:
- Toronto: –44,792
- Vancouver: –10,098
- Kitchener–Waterloo: –7,365
- Winnipeg: –1,559
This shows that major urban centres are being most affected by the new immigration controls.
🌍 Regions Showing Growth
Despite the overall decline, some regions experienced gains, particularly in Quebec and Alberta:
- Montreal: +17,635
- Calgary: +9,608
- Edmonton: +8,972
Smaller and developing regions are now attracting more international residents.
⚖ Key Immigration Policy Changes Behind the Decline
The reduction is mainly due to stricter immigration rules introduced in 2024–2025, including:
- Moratorium on low-wage LMIAs in high-unemployment regions
- Reduced validity of low-wage work permits (from 2 years to 1 year)
- Higher wage thresholds for high-wage foreign workers
- Restrictions on Spousal Open Work Permits
- New language and field-of-study requirements for PGWP
- Ban on “flag-poling” for same-day permit processing at borders
- Study permit cap for 2025 limited to 437,000 approvals (10% lower than 2024)
- End of COVID-era visitor-to-worker transitions📉 Increased Emigration
During the same period, more than 120,000 people left Canada, adding to the decline in temporary residents.
🎯 What This Means for International Applicants
Canada is moving toward a more selective and controlled immigration system. International students and foreign workers now face stricter eligibility rules, limited permits, and tougher renewal conditions.
📞 Contact Us
If you need information or guidance regarding Canada study visas, PGWP, spousal visas, or permanent residence, feel free to contact us today.
We’re here to help you plan your future in Canada with confidence.
📞Visit Visa Inquiries: 0310 7201666
📞Immigration Support: 0326 7779666
🌐Website:www.wacimmigrations.com
