New arrivals of international students and temporary workers fell 53% in 2025 compared with 2024, and IRCC’s 2026 target is 385,000 new temporary residents, including 155,000 students. Student arrivals fell 61% and worker arrivals 47% (IRCC, April 2026). Plan for a smaller, more selective system through 2027.
Read this with our study permit page and our work permits hub.
Key Takeaways
- 2025: arrivals of students and workers fell 53% (361,935 fewer people) compared with 2024.
- 2026 target: 385,000 new temporary residents, of which 155,000 are students.
- Goal: reduce the temporary population to under 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027.
- Permanent residence: about 48% of 2025 admissions had prior permit holder status, so being here legally still helps.
- Trend: January and February 2026 arrivals fell a further 30% against the same months of 2025.
Table of Contents
What did IRCC’s 2025 data show?
IRCC reports the following changes for 2025 compared with 2024 (IRCC, April 2026).
| Group | Change in new arrivals | People |
|---|---|---|
| Students and workers combined | -53% | 361,935 fewer |
| International students | -61% | 177,595 fewer |
| Temporary workers | -47% | 184,340 fewer |
Study permit holders also fell sharply, from over 1 million in January 2024 to about 725,000 by September 2025 (IRCC, November 2025). IRCC data for January to July 2026 shows new student arrivals about 80% below 2024.
What are the 2026 to 2028 targets?
The 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan sets these targets for new temporary resident arrivals (IRCC).
| Group | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All new temporary residents | 385,000 | 370,000 | 370,000 |
| International students | 155,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| Workers | 230,000 | 220,000 | 220,000 |
| Permanent residents | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 |
Of the 230,000 workers in 2026, 170,000 are in the International Mobility Program and 60,000 in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The figures for 2027 and 2028 are notional and IRCC can adjust them each year. A new plan for 2027 to 2029 is due in fall 2026.
How is the temporary resident population changing?
The non-permanent resident share of Canada’s population fell from a peak of 7.6% to 6.5% by January 1, 2026. Between October 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026 the number fell by over 170,000 (IRCC, April 2026).
For 2026 IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits, including 155,000 for new students and 253,000 extensions. That is 7% below the 2025 target of 437,000.
Who is still getting through?
IRCC has exempted some groups from the attestation letter requirement in 2026: master’s and doctoral students at public schools, K-12 students, certain priority groups and extensions at the same school and level. IRCC also offers faster processing for doctoral students.
Read our cap exemption guide and our provincial attestation letter page.
What this means for you
If you plan to study
Expect fewer spaces and more checks. Prepare complete documents, a program that fits your goal, and proof of funds.
If you plan to work
Worker arrivals are a larger share of the target than student arrivals, but numbers are lower than before. Check which program your job falls under.
If you are already in Canada
Plan your next permit early. About 48% of 2025 permanent resident admissions had prior permit holder status, so a valid status helps your position.
Frequently asked questions
How much did temporary resident arrivals fall in 2025?
IRCC reports that new arrivals of international students and temporary workers fell 53%, or 361,935 people, in 2025 compared with 2024. Students fell 61% and workers fell 47%.
What is the 2026 target for new temporary residents?
The 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan sets 385,000 new temporary resident arrivals in 2026, of which 155,000 are students and 230,000 are workers.
What is Canada’s goal for the temporary population?
The government aims to reduce the temporary population to under 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.
How many study permits will IRCC issue in 2026?
IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, including 155,000 to new students and 253,000 extensions.
Does being in Canada on a permit help with permanent residence?
It can. About 48% of 2025 permanent resident admissions had prior permit holder status, though admission depends on the program you qualify for.
Related guides
- Canada 2026 study permit cap exemption
- International student work rights 2026
- Where to study in Canada in 2026
To plan your study or work permit in this system, Book a Strategy Consultation.
Amir Ismail is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R412319) who has been associated with the immigration consulting industry since 1991.
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