Canada sharp cuts to international students and temporary workers in 2025
According to IRCC data (as of June 30, 2025):
Canada is significantly reducing the number of international students and temporary workers in order to ease pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services. Compared with the first half of 2024, there were 214,520 fewer entries from these two groups.
🔹 International Students
- New study permit holders dropped by 88,617.
- The intake cap introduced in 2024 was further cut by another 10% in 2025.
- Higher financial requirements, stricter verification of Letters of Acceptance, and the termination of the SDS program.
🔹 Temporary Workers
- New work permits decreased by 125,903.
- Canada has imposed a 10% cap on low-wage temporary foreign workers (20% in certain essential sectors).
- Spousal open work permits tied to students and temporary workers have been restricted.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility has become more limited.
🔹 Current population in Canada (as of June 30, 2025):
- Study permit only: 546,562
- Work permit only: 1,504,573
- Both study and work permit: 312,010
👉 Positive signal: In the first half of 2025, more than 100,000 temporary residents became permanent residents, representing around 50% of all new PRs. This shows that Canada still prioritizes those who study, work, and successfully integrate into Canadian society.
🎯 SICON’s advice
It is becoming harder for new international students and temporary workers to enter Canada.
But if you are already here, your chances of transitioning to permanent residence (PR) are stronger than ever, thanks to your Canadian education and work experience.
Now is the critical moment to build a long-term immigration strategy rather than relying only on study or short-term work permits.
📩 Contact SICON Immigration Consulting for safe, sustainable PR solutions tailored to your family’s future in Canada.
