The Canadian government has announced plans to reduce the intake of foreign students and implement stricter regulations for foreign workers starting next year. The move comes in response to concerns over rapid population growth and its impact on housing and public services, according to a report from *The Economic Times*.
During a news conference in Ottawa, Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed that Canada will decrease international student permits by 10% in 2025 compared to current levels, with a further cap being maintained through 2026. This reduction represents a significant 36% drop from 2023 figures.
“Not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to—just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to,” said Miller. “Our immigration system must preserve its integrity and be well-managed and sustainable.”
The measures are aimed at addressing the rapid increase in the temporary resident population, which includes foreign students, temporary workers, and asylum seekers. Since the pandemic, Canada’s temporary resident population has surged, sparking criticism of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s immigration policies.
While strong immigration has been credited with helping Canada’s post-pandemic recovery, adding approximately three million people in just three years has put pressure on housing and public services. In March, the government set a target to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5% within three years, though the current share has increased to 6.8%.
Despite the announced reductions, *Universities Canada* reported that the country is already falling short of this year’s foreign student target due to declining application rates. The government hopes these adjustments will help strike a balance between immigration growth and sustainable public service support.
