On September 20, 2024, the Canadian government, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announced further reductions in foreign student admissions, with new immigration restrictions set to take effect in 2025. Immigration Minister Marc Miller provided details about the upcoming changes, which aim to address concerns about population growth and its impact on the nation’s economy and public services.
The government will reduce the intake of international students by 10 percent from 2024 levels, with this cap remaining in place until 2026. This represents a 36 percent decrease in student admissions compared to 2023. Additionally, new limits will be imposed on foreign workers and the spouses of master’s degree students seeking work permits. These restrictions are part of a broader effort to curb the temporary resident population, which has expanded rapidly in recent years.
The measures are designed to alleviate mounting pressures on housing costs, public services, and the labor market, all of which have been strained by Canada’s rapid population growth. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s population has surged by three million people, with a significant portion consisting of temporary residents, including foreign students, temporary workers, and asylum seekers. This increase has led to criticism of Prime Minister Trudeau’s immigration policies, contributing to a decline in his popularity.
Although immigration has bolstered Canada’s post-pandemic economic recovery, the growing demand for housing and public resources has prompted the government to take action. Minister Miller emphasized that these steps will help Canada achieve its goal of reducing the temporary resident population to 5 percent by 2027, from the current 6.8 percent.
By imposing these restrictions, the government expects to decrease the number of temporary immigrants by approximately 525,000 over the next three years. In addition to the cap on foreign student visas, Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault announced new measures limiting the use of temporary foreign workers in Quebec, the largest user of the program. These restrictions will extend to other provinces and prohibit the use of the program in regions with unemployment rates exceeding 6 percent.
Public opinion supports this shift. According to a Nanos Research Group poll, most Canadians believe the government should reduce the number of temporary workers, even though many acknowledge the need for foreign workers in industries where suitable Canadian candidates are not available.
As Canada grapples with the economic consequences of its immigration policies, the government’s decision to cap foreign student admissions and limit temporary worker programs reflects an effort to create a more sustainable system. While the restrictions are expected to reduce the temporary resident population and ease pressures on housing and public services, economists warn that slower population growth could pose long-term risks to Canada’s economic stability. The first-ever temporary resident target for 2025 to 2027 will be announced by November 1, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s evolving immigration strategy.