Through the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, we are aligning Canada’s immigration system more closely with the country’s needs. This involves reducing the number of international students and temporary workers to help relieve pressures on housing, infrastructure, and public services.
Our commitment is to bring immigration back to sustainable levels, with the goal of reducing Canada’s temporary resident population to below 5%.
The data below offers an overview of the current numbers of international students and temporary foreign workers in Canada, as part of our broader strategy to ensure migration remains sustainable.
International students in Canada
Capped international students
Strengthened the International Student Program
Canada enhanced acceptance letter verification to combat study permit fraud, increased financial requirements to ensure students are better prepared, and discontinued the Student Direct Stream.
Helping temporary residents stay and contribute long term
Canada’s immigration system is adapting to support long-term economic growth while maintaining sustainable levels. As part of this, we are helping more temporary residents—those already working, studying, and contributing to their communities—transition to permanent residency.
Between January and June 2025, more than 100,000 former temporary residents became permanent residents, representing nearly half of all new permanent residents during that period.
These individuals are typically well integrated, with Canadian education, work experience, and strong skills in one or both official languages. Most transition through economic pathways such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program, which are designed to select candidates aligned with Canada’s labour market and regional needs.
By building on the contributions of people already in Canada, we can continue to attract top talent from around the world while easing pressures on housing, infrastructure, and essential services.
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