Canada’s Population Growth Stalls Amid Drop in Non-PRs

By Visa Jobs CanadaJune 27, 2025Policy & Government AnnouncementsCanadian immigration, non-permanent residents, population growth, visa sponsorship, work permits

Canada’s population growth has hit a slow patch, with just over 20,000 people added from January to April 2025. This represents the weakest growth in nearly 80 years, as reported by Statistics Canada. One of the key reasons for this slowdown is the federal government’s efforts to limit both temporary and permanent immigration.

This year, the number of non-permanent residents, which include international students and temporary workers, dropped by more than 61,000—especially impacting provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. Typically, we see an increase in these numbers early in the year, making this decline particularly notable.

What Does This Mean for Immigration to Canada?

Robert Kavcic, a senior economist at BMO, mentions that recent policy changes are leading to what he calls a “major population adjustment.” The government has imposed caps on international students and temporary foreign workers, which has contributed to a net outflow of non-permanent residents in the first quarter of 2025. Ultimately, Ottawa aims to adjust the ratio of non-permanent residents from over 7% down to about 5%—indicating we may see continued outflows in the coming years.

On the flip side, permanent resident admissions have been solid, with more than 104,000 newcomers welcomed in Q1, though this figure has dipped from recent highs due to lowered federal targets. It shows that while temporary immigration is uncertain, Canada still values permanent residency, providing a pathway for skilled workers to make their home here.

Understanding Visa Sponsorship and Work Permits

If you’re exploring pathways to settle in Canada, understanding visa options can be crucial. The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is one such pathway that lets employers hire foreign workers if they can demonstrate a need for them. There’s also the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where provinces can nominate candidates for immigration based on local labour needs. If you’re looking into permanent residency, the Express Entry system could be your best bet, as it’s systematised to select skilled workers based on criteria like the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Interestingly, while provinces like Ontario and British Columbia saw population declines, Alberta continues to attract newcomers, with a net gain of over 7,000 people—its 11th consecutive increase. This trend suggests a shift in where people are choosing to live, often due to affordability and job opportunities.

Looking ahead, experts predict Canada’s population growth will continue to cool. Net births are down, too, which reflects changing demographics across the nation. Canada remains open to skilled immigrants, and understanding the various immigration routes like PR application and work permits can set you on a successful path.