Sharp Decline in Canada’s International Student Visas by 2025
Canada has always been a popular choice for international workers and students, but 2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer in terms of immigration. If you’re an international job seeker considering a move to Canada, it’s important to understand these changes and how they might affect your plans.
Recent data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows a notable dip in new temporary residents, particularly study permit holders and those applying under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). From January to June 2025, there was a 38.9% decrease in study permits compared to the same period last year. This decline can affect Canada’s job market and, by extension, your options for finding work here.
A Sharp Decline in New Arrivals
The figures paint a clear picture: in the first half of 2024, Canada issued approximately 245,055 study permits and 109,310 TFWP work permits. In the same timeframe for 2025, these numbers dropped to 149,860 study permits and 105,195 TFWP work permits. That’s a dramatic overall decrease of around 28% in new arrivals.
This significant drop is largely due to increased restrictions and regulations introduced by the IRCC. Many international students may find it tougher to meet financial and application requirements, which could influence the influx of new talent into Canada.
The Impact on Job Opportunities
If you’re actively exploring job options in Canada, understanding these immigration trends is crucial. The decreasing number of international students affects the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which allows graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies. Lower numbers of students may mean fewer new workers entering vital sectors of the workforce.
If you’re planning to work in Canada, our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, focuses specifically on Canadian jobs that offer visa sponsorship to international applicants. This means you can find positions that support your immigration journey while also securing meaningful employment.
Changing Demographics
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re an international job seeker, this changing landscape could impact your visa options. Higher demands and stricter regulations related to study permits mean that if you’re coming to Canada primarily for education, you’ll need to be extra prepared. For work permit applicants, however, demand in various sectors remains strong. Despite the overall decline in permits, there continues to be a demand for skilled workers, especially in agriculture and healthcare.
Looking Ahead
As Canada adjusts its immigration policies, significant gaps between projected permit numbers and government targets are apparent. For example, while the IRCC has set targets for a total of 82,000 TFWP work permits, current forecasts significantly exceed this number.
This misalignment may serve as a reminder for you to keep an eye on sectors experiencing growth and to remain informed about potential policy changes. Monitoring the job market is essential as it reflects ongoing employer needs across provinces
What do you think?
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