Canada has seen a sharp decline in the number of new international arrivals in 2025, with updated data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) showing a drop in both international students and workers.
Between January and June 2025, Canada admitted 214,520 fewer newcomers compared to the same period last year, raising concerns over the country’s recent immigration reforms.
Steep Drop in Student and Worker Numbers
IRCC data shows that during the first half of 2025:
Canada admitted 88,617 fewer international students
125,903 fewer foreign workers entered the country
On a monthly average, only 6,070 new study permits were issued between January and June 2025, compared to 20,839 per month in 2024.
Similarly, work permit issuances fell to 19,872 per month, down from 40,865 last year.
Changing Profile of New Arrivals
There has also been a shift in the type of newcomers entering Canada. Between February and June 2025, work permit holders made up 80% of new arrivals, compared to 70% in the same period in 2024.
This trend highlights the steady drop in student inflows, even though Canada typically sees higher student numbers in August and December.
Temporary Resident Numbers Still Rising
Despite the decline in new permits, the overall number of temporary residents in Canada has grown. Between January 2024 and June 2025:
Study permit holders decreased by 133,325
Work permit holders increased by 262,262
Dual permit holders (those with both study and work rights) dropped by 32,014
In total, Canada saw an increase of 137,851 temporary residents, mainly due to programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows international students to stay and work after graduation.
Tougher Rules Behind the Decline
Experts point to several new immigration policies that are making it harder for foreign students and workers to come to Canada:
For international students:
Provincial caps on student numbers
Higher financial proof requirements
Tougher PGWP rules
Revised off-campus work limits
Closure of fast-track programs like the Student Direct Stream
For foreign workers:
End of COVID-era work permit transitions
Restrictions on Intra-Company Transfers
Ban on flag-poling (same-day visa renewals at the border)
Multi-year targets limiting new permits under International Mobility Program (IMP) and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Tighter rules for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs)
These changes signal a more controlled approach to immigration in Canada, but they also risk slowing down the flow of global talent and students, which have long been vital to the country’s economy and labour market.
