Canada has reported a significant decline in Canada temporary resident arrivals during the first five months of 2026. According to newly released federal data, new temporary resident arrivals fell by nearly 70% compared to the same period in 2024. The decline reflects the federal government’s ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable immigration system by reducing the number of temporary residents entering the country. 

The latest figures show major decreases in both international student arrivals and temporary foreign workers. These changes follow recent immigration reforms, including study permit caps, stricter Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, and tighter rules for temporary work permits. 

If you are planning to study, work, or apply for permanent residence in Canada, understanding these policy changes is essential. At ImmigCanada Immigration Consulting Services, our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Eivy Joy Quito, helps applicants understand changing immigration rules and identify the most suitable pathway based on their individual profile. 

Canada Reports Nearly 70% Fewer Temporary Resident Arrivals 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported that between January and May 2026, Canada welcomed approximately 225,000 fewer temporary residents than during the same period in 2024. 

Key highlights include: 

• Overall temporary resident arrivals declined by nearly 70%  
• New international student arrivals fell by 83% 
• New temporary foreign worker arrivals decreased by 63%  
• Canada continues working toward reducing temporary residents to less than five percent of the national population by the end of 2027  

Source: Canada Records Sharp Drop in Temporary Resident Arrivals

The government says these measures are intended to ease pressure on housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and public services while maintaining sustainable immigration levels. 

International Student Arrivals Continue to Decline 

The most significant reduction occurred among international students. 

IRCC reported: 

• Student arrival target for 2026: 155,000  
• Student arrivals between January and May 2026: 19,425  
• Student arrivals in May alone: 3,335  
• Overall decline of 83% compared to the same period in 2024  

The decline follows several policy measures introduced over the past two years, including: 

• Annual study permit caps  
• Stronger verification of acceptance letters  
• Increased financial proof requirements  
• Reduced study permit targets under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan  

These reforms are designed to strengthen program integrity while ensuring institutions and communities can better support international students. 

Temporary Foreign Worker Arrivals Also Drop 

Canada also experienced a significant decline in temporary foreign worker arrivals. 

Current data shows: 

• Worker arrival target for 2026: 230,000  
• Worker arrivals between January and May 2026: 77,915  
• Worker arrivals in May: 19,645  
• Overall decline of 63% from 2024 levels  

Several federal policy changes contributed to this reduction, including: 

• Lower caps on low-wage Temporary Foreign Worker Program hiring  
• Higher wage thresholds for high-wage LMIA streams  
• Stricter eligibility for spouses seeking open work permits  
• Updated Post-Graduation Work Permit requirements  

The government says these measures prioritize employment opportunities for Canadians and permanent residents while addressing labour shortages through targeted immigration. 

Canada Still Has Millions of Temporary Residents 

Although new arrivals have slowed considerably, Canada continues to host a large temporary resident population. 

As of May 31, 2026, Canada had: 

• 632,850 study permit holders  
• 1,561,465 individuals holding only work permits  

IRCC notes that these numbers will gradually decline because many existing applications were approved under previous immigration rules before the recent reforms took effect. 

More Temporary Residents Are Becoming Permanent Residents 

While Canada is reducing temporary resident admissions, it continues encouraging qualified workers and graduates already in Canada to transition to permanent residence. 

Former temporary residents who became permanent residents include: 

Year	Former Temporary Residents Becoming PRs	Share of Total PR Admissions
2024	215,090	44%
2025	188,020	48%
January-May 2026	84,135	57%

Most successful applicants obtain permanent residence through: 

• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)  
• Other economic immigration pathways  

This approach allows Canada to retain workers and graduates who already have Canadian education, work experience, and language skills. 

What These Changes Mean for Future Applicants 

The latest statistics confirm that Canada is moving toward a more controlled immigration system focused on long-term economic needs rather than high temporary resident volumes. 

Prospective students and workers should expect: 

• Greater competition for study permits  
• Stricter eligibility requirements  
• Increased emphasis on labour market priorities 
• More opportunities for skilled workers already in Canada to transition to permanent residence  

Applicants should carefully plan their immigration strategy and ensure they meet the latest program requirements before applying. 

The sharp decline in Canada’s temporary resident arrivals demonstrates that recent immigration reforms are significantly changing how Canada manages temporary migration. While fewer international students and temporary workers are entering the country, Canada continues to prioritize skilled individuals who can successfully transition to permanent residence. 

As immigration policies continue evolving, professional guidance can help applicants choose the right pathway and avoid unnecessary delays. Whether you are planning to study, work, or immigrate permanently, staying informed is more important than ever. 

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