The decline follows several policy changes, including tighter rules for foreign workers, limits on study permits, stricter work permit conditions and reduced pathways introduced during the pandemic. Together, these steps appear to be slowing Canada’s once-rapid growth in temporary residents
Canada has recorded its first year-on-year decline in the number of foreign workers and international students in several years, signalling a clear shift in the country’s temporary immigration trend. According to a report by CIC News, the total number of temporary residents fell by 14,954 between 2024 and 2025, as stricter immigration rules began to take effect nationwide.
This marks a sharp contrast to the previous year. Between 2023 and 2024, before most of the new measures were introduced, Canada added more than 781,000 non-permanent residents, including people on work and study permits. The latest data suggests that the government’s efforts to slow the pace of temporary migration are now starting to show results.
The decline has been most visible in major cities. Canada’s largest metropolitan areas together reported a net loss of over 20,600 temporary residents
Toronto saw the steepest fall, with nearly 44,800 fewer temporary residents, followed by Vancouver with a drop of just over 10,000. Other cities such as Winnipeg, Hamilton, London, Victoria and the Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo region also reported declines. In fact, the fall in the Toronto region alone was more than three times the overall national decrease, showing how gains elsewhere helped balance the numbers.
In contrast, some regions recorded growth. Quebec and Alberta led the gains, with Montreal adding over 17,600 temporary residents. Calgary and Edmonton also saw notable increases. Smaller population centres across the country posted a modest overall rise, suggesting a gradual shift away from the largest cities.
Experts note that the figures reflect people already living in Canada, not just new arrivals. New entries have been falling since 2024, while overall numbers are adjusting more slowly as existing permits expire or face tighter renewal rules. During the same period, more than 120,000 people emigrated from Canada.
