Canada Foreign Workers See First Decline in Years

Canada is experiencing a notable decrease in foreign workers and international students, marking the first such decline in recent years. From 2024 to 2025, the country recorded a net reduction of 14,954 temporary residents (TRs), reflecting a significant shift in immigration policy and enforcement. This contrasts sharply with the previous period, where Canada added 781,075 non-permanent residents between 2023 and 2024, highlighting a marked pivot in the government’s approach to temporary migration.

Regional Trends in Temporary Resident Numbers The reduction in TRs has been most pronounced in major metropolitan areas. Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba experienced substantial net losses, while Quebec and Alberta recorded increases. Smaller population centers saw a modest gain of 3,524 TRs, suggesting that migration patterns are becoming more geographically dispersed. It is important to note that these figures represent the total number of temporary residents, not new arrivals, and those already holding valid permits will encounter the effects of stricter policies when renewing or extending status.

Key declines by Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) include:

Toronto, ON: -44,792

Vancouver, BC: -10,098

Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo, ON: -7,365

London, ON: -1,777

Hamilton, ON: -1,695

Winnipeg, MB: -1,559

Victoria, BC: -1,222

Brantford, ON: -793

Halifax, NS: -788

Québec, QC: -757

The Toronto CMA alone saw declines nearly three times higher than the national average, indicating that gains in other regions helped partially offset losses. Conversely, certain CMAs recorded net increases, demonstrating a nuanced migration landscape:

Montréal, QC: +17,635

Calgary, AB: +9,608

Edmonton, AB: +8,972

St. Catharines–Niagara, ON: +3,397

Ottawa–Gatineau, ON/QC: +2,922

Windsor, ON: +2,179

Saskatoon, SK: +1,272

Saguenay, QC: +863

Lethbridge, AB: +838

Red Deer, AB: +797

Policy Changes Driving the Shift Several government policies introduced between 2024 and 2025 have contributed to the decline in temporary residents. Key measures include:

A moratorium on low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in regions with unemployment rates above 6%, effective for submissions after September 26, 2024.

Reduced validity periods for low-wage Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) permits, now capped at one year.

Increased wage thresholds for high-wage TFWP streams, set at 20% above the median regional wage.

Restrictions on spousal open work permits (OWPs).

Updated eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) , emphasizing language proficiency and field of study.

Termination of the COVID-era policy that allowed easier transitions from visitor status to work permits.

Implementation of a ban on flag poling as of December 23, 2024, eliminating same-day permit processing at ports of entry.

A cap on study permits for 2025 at 550,162, with only 437,000 available, representing a 10% decrease from 2024.

Implications for Foreign Workers and International Students These changes indicate a tighter regulatory environment for temporary residents. Applicants planning to work or study in Canada should carefully consider new eligibility requirements and plan ahead for renewals. Major metropolitan areas may become more competitive due to reduced TR availability, while certain provinces like Quebec and Alberta may present increased opportunities for temporary residents.

For prospective students and foreign workers, understanding these regulations is crucial to ensuring compliance and avoiding complications during visa and permit applications. Stakeholders should monitor updates closely and seek guidance from official and trusted immigration sources.