As of mid-2025, Canada is home to 2.36 million temporary residents, including international students, foreign workers, and individuals holding both permits. While the government has taken steps to slow the inflow of new permits, many applications are still being processed, keeping numbers high for now. What stands out, however, is a clear policy shift: more temporary residents are transitioning into permanent residency pathways, strengthening Canada’s long-term immigration goals.
For newcomers, this signals a crucial opportunity; temporary status is no longer just a short-term phase but increasingly a stepping stone to permanent settlement.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Who Are Canada’s Temporary Residents?
As of June 30, 2025, the population of temporary residents in Canada is divided into three main groups:
- 546,562 hold only a study permit.
- 1,504,573 hold only a work permit.
- 312,010 hold both a study and work permit.
These figures reflect the important role that both students and workers play in the Canadian economy. While new arrivals are declining, the existing population of temporary residents remains significant.
Decline in New Arrivals Under New Measures
The first half of 2025 saw fewer newcomers entering under study and work permits compared to the same period in 2024:
- 88,617 fewer international students arrived.
- 125,903 fewer temporary workers arrived.
This decline comes after several major policy changes:
- A cap on international student permits with an additional 10% reduction in 2025.
- Stricter requirements for financial proof and letter of acceptance verification.
- Updates to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, including a cap on low-wage hires.
- Reforms to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) to better align with labour market needs.
- Limits on work permits for spouses of temporary residents.
Together, these changes are designed to bring immigration to sustainable levels while addressing housing and infrastructure pressures.
A Growing Shift: From Temporary to Permanent Residents
While arrivals are slowing, the number of people moving from temporary to permanent residency is rising quickly. Between January and June 2025:
- Over 100,000 temporary residents became permanent residents.
- They represented around 50% of all new permanent residents during that time.
This reflects Canada’s immigration strategy: selecting individuals who already have Canadian experience, language skills, and proven ability to integrate. Many transitions through economic immigration streams like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Why This Matters for International Students and Workers?
Canada’s evolving immigration system creates both challenges and opportunities:
- Stricter entry rules mean higher competition for study and work permits.
- Greater focus on retention gives those already in Canada a better chance to secure permanent residency.
- Alignment with labour needs ensures that immigrants are chosen for sectors where skills are most in demand.
For future applicants, the takeaway is clear: Canada still values international talent, but the path increasingly rewards those who can contribute long term.
Canada’s Growing Temporary Resident Population: More Pathways to Permanent Residency
The report that Canada is home to 2.36 million temporary residents highlights two trends—fewer new arrivals, but stronger pathways to permanent residency. By prioritizing individuals who are already working, studying, and building lives in Canada, the government is creating a more sustainable immigration system. For international students and foreign workers, this shift turns temporary status into a real opportunity for permanent settlement.
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