Canada’s New Rules Successfully Slow Down Population Growth Rate

Canada's population barely grew in the first three months of 2025. From January 1 to April 1, only 20,107 people were added to the country’s total population. This is just a 0.0% increase—almost no growth at all.

Experts say the major reason for this drop is the recent immigration changes. Fewer people are coming to Canada as temporary or permanent residents.

Sharp Decline in Temporary Residents
According to official data, Canada lost 61,111 temporary residents during this time. Such a small population increase hasn’t happened since the third quarter of 2020, when strict COVID-19 travel rules were in place. It also matches a dip seen in 2014.

Between 2001 and early 2024, Canada’s population usually grew by 0.3% every quarter. The sudden slowdown in 2025 shows how strongly immigration rules affect population growth.

Why the Rules Changed
In 2024, the government began cutting down the number of temporary residents. Officials said rising pressure on housing, health care, and other services made this necessary. Since then, every quarter has shown slower growth.

Lower Immigration Targets
In October 2024, the government shared new immigration targets. The number of new permanent residents allowed in 2025 was reduced to 395,000. That’s down from 485,000 in 2024.

For the first time, they also set limits on temporary residents. A total of 673,650 international students and foreign workers are expected to be admitted in 2025. The goal is to cut temporary residents down to just 5% of the total population by the end of 2026.

New Cap on Student Permits
In January 2025, a strict cap was set on student visa applications. The limit is 550,162 applications for the entire year. Only 437,000 are expected to be approved. That’s 10% lower than last year’s cap.

The system also added a new step—most applicants must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter with their request.

Hiring Rules Tightened for Employers
Another big move came in September 2024. The government said it would no longer process certain job applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

This applies to jobs with lower wages or in areas where unemployment is 6% or higher. Without approval from the government, employers cannot hire from outside Canada.

Spouse Work Permits Now Harder to Get
Starting January 2025, only some spouses of international students and foreign workers can apply for work permits.

Eligible students must be in master’s programs (16 months or longer), PhDs, or certain fields like law or nursing. Foreign workers must be in top job categories and have at least 16 months left on their work permit.

More Limits on Post-Study Work Permits
Since November 1, 2024, new rules apply to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). Graduates must have studied in fields tied to Canada’s labor shortages. Their programs must also meet specific requirements.

If their study permit was issued after November 1, and their field doesn’t match the list, they may not qualify for a PGWP.