In the first quarter of 2025, Canada approved a staggering 834,010 temporary resident applications, sparking both excitement and concern among immigration stakeholders. This significant number, however, belies a more complex reality, as the country navigates a delicate balance between welcoming newcomers and addressing pressing economic and housing challenges.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The 834,010 temporary resident approvals comprised:
- 96,015 study permits
- 186,805 work permits
- 273,990 visitor visas
These numbers are part of a larger trend, with over 1.3 million applications processed in the same period, indicating heightened scrutiny behind the scenes.
Top-Source Countries
The surge in temporary resident applications is driven by several top-source countries, including ¹:
- India: Over 382,000 applications processed
- Nigeria
- China
- The Philippines
Applicants from these countries are drawn to Canada’s education system, job opportunities, and humanitarian pathways, particularly for Ukrainians and Iranians.
Policy Shifts and Economic Tensions
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) 2025-2027 plan includes several key measures ²:
1-Caps on study permits: Aimed at reducing temporary residents to 5% of Canada’s population by 2026
2-Stricter Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules: Targeting specific sectors and promoting more targeted work permit restrictions
3-Targeted work permit restrictions: Addressing housing and labor issues while potentially impacting sectors reliant on temporary migrants
Growing Criticism and Mixed Public Sentiment
Stakeholders are divided on the impact of these policy shifts, with some supporting tighter controls for system integrity and others warning of:
- Labor shortages
- Rising student stress
- Policy unpredictability
A forecasted 0.2% population dip in 2025 and 2026 is expected to rebound slowly in 2027.
Canada’s Immigration Model Shifts
The recent developments signal a shift in Canada’s immigration model, from growth to control. While the doors remain open, they are now more selective, catering to those who fit a tightening profile. As Canada navigates these changes, it’s essential for prospective immigrants, stakeholders, and policymakers to stay informed and adapt to the evolving landscape .
Let Worldbridge Immigration Services be your guide to a successful future in Canada
Contact us:
Website: www.theworldbridge.ca
Email: info@theworldbridge.ca
Phone/WhatsApp: +1-416-727-7766
Social Media: @worldbridgeHQ
