In a major shift in policy Canada, has announced further reduction to the number of study permits for foreign students and stricter criteria for work permits. The changes are based on the government’s desire to rein in the growth of temporary residents as part of an ongoing public debate.
New Regulations Governing Permits
Under the new regulations, Canada will limit the number of international study permits granted to 437,000 for 2025. This is a substantial reduction when compared to 509,390 permits that had been issued in 2023 and follows the issuance of 175,920 study permits in the first seven months of 2024, hence it will be signficant reduction. The new regulations will limit work permits for spouses of certain students and temporary foreign workers.
Political Backdrop, and Public Perception
The announcement comes at the heels of a by-election defeat, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has been trailing in the opinion polls. As a federal election is on track by October 2025, these changes are consistent with public concerns about the rising number of foreign students and foreign workers. Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, stated not everyone that wants to come to Canada will be able to, which indicates process will be tighter in the future as the Canadian public percieves the process to be uneven, and at this time they need relief.
Addressing Economic Issues
Consequently, the government aims to reduce the amount of temporary residents from 6.8% to 5% of the overall population, to ease conditions such as affordable housing and rising cost of living. Even though inflation fell to 2% in August, there is growing public perception, that there are too many immigrants being permitted into the country.
Winding Back Immigration Growth
Canada has begun to wind back the previous expansions in immigration policy for students and temporary workers, reduced total number of study permits in January and wound back previous legislation in the temporary foreign worker program to limits on low wage workers in high unemployment areas.
Economic Context
Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.6% in August, the highest in over seven years, prompting calls for interest rate cuts to stimulate growth. This rise in unemployment, particularly among young people, has contributed to growing concerns about the economic landscape. As the government navigates these challenges, it will need to balance immigration policy with the economic realities facing its citizens.
