The Canadian government has announced major reforms to its temporary residence programs, aimed at managing the growing influx of temporary residents while ensuring the system’s integrity. These changes, which include reductions in study permit intake and stricter work permit eligibility, reflect the country’s evolving economic and humanitarian priorities.

In a statement released on Thursday by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government announced a 10% reduction in international student study permits, lowering the intake from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 for 2025. The cap will remain the same for 2026 as part of efforts to balance immigration with Canada’s capacity to accommodate and support newcomers.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) will also undergo significant adjustments. Starting later this year, work permits will only be available to spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months and to spouses of foreign workers in management or professional roles, or sectors with labor shortages.

Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, emphasized the need to strengthen Canada’s immigration system and ensure it remains sustainable. “Not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to, just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to,” Miller said, stressing the importance of system integrity and responsible growth.

The government is also tackling asylum system integrity by introducing partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals and enhancing fraud detection measures. Additionally, there are plans to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers welcomed into Canada, prioritizing roles that Canadians cannot fill.

Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, explained that the changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will prioritize Canadian workers, ensuring that the program continues to meet the needs of the economy without sidelining qualified Canadians.

These measures are part of a broader immigration reform plan, which will reduce temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of Canada’s total population by 2026. The government is also introducing language proficiency requirements for PGWP applicants and reserving spaces in the study permit intake for master’s and doctoral students who provide provincial or territorial attestation letters.

As Canada continues to adapt its immigration policies, the changes are designed to ensure that newcomers can be adequately supported while maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the system. Further details are expected to be made available on the IRCC website in the coming months.