Canada Sees Major Drop In Foreign Students And Workers In 2025

Fewer Newcomers in First Half of 2025

Canada is welcoming far fewer international students and workers this year. New data shows a sharp drop in temporary residents between January and June 2025. This includes those arriving with study permits and work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Compared to the same period in 2024, the numbers are down by a large margin. If this trend continues, 2025 could end with one of the lowest intakes in recent years.

Immigration Targets Show the Shift

The government had already signalled a change in direction. Earlier this year, it lowered its targets for temporary residents. The move followed concerns about housing shortages, pressure on public services, and the need to better manage population growth.

Officials are focusing on stabilizing the number of newcomers. They also want to make sure that those who arrive can get the support they need.

Study Permits Hit Hard

International students are among the most affected. Fewer study permits have been approved in the first six months of 2025. Many colleges and universities across Canada are now seeing fewer new enrolments.

This could lead to serious funding problems for schools that rely on international tuition fees. Some smaller institutions may need to cut programs or staff if the trend continues.

Work Permits Also Down

Work permits under the TFWP have also dropped. Fewer temporary foreign workers are coming to Canada this year. That could lead to labour shortages in some key industries like farming, food services, and construction.

Employers are now finding it harder to fill jobs that Canadians often don’t apply for.

Changing Demographics Among Newcomers

The kinds of people coming to Canada are changing too. With fewer temporary residents arriving, the overall makeup of newcomers is shifting. Canada is now seeing more permanent residents relative to temporary ones than in past years.

Officials say this helps support long-term stability and better integration.

What the Population Numbers Show

Despite the drop in temporary residents, Canada’s population is still growing. But the growth rate has slowed. With fewer short-term workers and students arriving, cities are seeing less pressure on housing and transit—but businesses are raising concerns.

Some experts warn the slowdown could affect Canada’s economy if skilled workers and students go elsewhere.

Reforms Behind the Shift

In recent months, Canada introduced new rules for international students. These include caps on study permits, higher financial requirements, and new guidelines for learning institutions. The aim is to improve the quality of education and reduce exploitation.

The government also made changes to the TFWP, asking employers to show stronger efforts to hire Canadians first.

Who’s Not in the Data?

The data doesn’t include people in Canada on visitor visas or those claiming asylum. It also leaves out those who arrived earlier but are still here on extensions. This makes it hard to measure the full impact of the changes in real time.

What This Means for the Future

This year could mark a turning point in Canada’s immigration story. With fewer international students and workers, the country is rethinking how it grows. The focus is shifting from quantity to quality.

But many are watching closely. Schools, businesses, and provinces will all feel the effects. How Canada balances growth and sustainability will shape its future for years to come.