By admin 
In the first quarter of 2025, Canada approved a staggering 834,010 temporary resident applications and extensions, including study permits, work permits, and visitor visas. The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) underscores the country’s continuing appeal to international students, skilled workers, and tourists alike.
This surge in temporary residents reflects Canada’s global openness but also brings to light a growing paradox: while welcoming record numbers of newcomers, Canada is simultaneously tightening its oversight and stepping up enforcement measures for current temporary residents.
A Snapshot of Q1 2025 Temporary Resident Activity
Between January and March 2025, IRCC approved a total of 834,010 applications. This included both new applicants and individuals renewing their status. The scale of this activity points to Canada’s continued reputation as a top destination for education, employment, and tourism.
Here’s a closer look at the approvals by category:
- Study Permits: 96,015 approvals, as Canada remains a preferred destination for international students. Many of these students attend Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and aim to transition to permanent residency through pathways like the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).
- Work Permits: 186,805 approvals, primarily through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP). These permits address labor shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and IT.
- Visitor Visas: 273,990 approvals, reaffirming Canada’s status as a popular spot for tourism, family reunification, and business visits.
In total, IRCC processed 1,370,400 applications (including extensions) during this period far more than the approvals indicating the government’s careful screening under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
Where Are These Applicants Coming From?
Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism is evident in the diversity of applicants. The top 10 source countries for temporary resident applications processed from January to March 2025 were:
1. India: 382,055 applications, primarily for study and work permits.
2. Nigeria: 104,835 applications, reflecting growing interest in Canadian opportunities.
3. China: 100,890 applications, especially among students and tourists.
4. Mexico: 59,305 applications, boosted by seasonal work programs.
5. Iran: 49,735 applications from students and skilled professionals.
6. Philippines: 48,430 applications, mainly for work in caregiving and service sectors.
7. Ukraine: 33,110 applications, due to Canada’s ongoing support through special measures.
8. Pakistan: 31,355 applications.
9. Colombia: 27,165 applications.
10. Bangladesh: 27,080 applications.
This global interest demonstrates Canada’s continued role as a leader in international mobility, while also responding to humanitarian crises and economic demands.
A Complex Reality: Growth and Enforcement
Despite the large number of newcomers, IRCC is taking a firmer approach toward regulating the temporary resident population. In fact, the government aims to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the total population by 2026.
Increased enforcement means individuals with expired permits or those found violating the conditions of their stay such as unauthorized work or study may face removal. New regulatory powers introduced in February 2025 allow IRCC and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to cancel visas and permits in cases involving fraud or non-compliance.
This creates a complicated landscape. While new residents are welcomed for their contributions to the economy and society, others may face unexpected legal hurdles or deportation notices, raising questions about fairness and long-term settlement opportunities.
New Immigration Targets and Policy Adjustments
Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, unveiled in late 2024, marked the first time temporary residents were included in national immigration targets. The new plan sets the following caps:
- 2025: 673,650 new temporary resident arrivals
- 2026: 516,600
- 2027: 543,600
These figures exclude short-term visitors and seasonal workers but include international students and foreign workers. The aim is to better align immigration intake with housing availability, labor market needs, and public infrastructure capacity.
Other recent policy changes include:
- Study Permit Caps: A 10% reduction in study permits compared to 2024, with a cap of 606,250 applications used as a reference.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Reforms: Narrowed eligibility focused on high-demand occupations, including healthcare and skilled trades.
- Work Permit Restrictions for Spouses: Starting January 21, 2025, open work permits for spouses are limited to specific sectors facing labor shortages.
These measures are expected to temporarily slow population growth, helping to ease Canada’s housing crisis and reduce pressure on public services.
Mixed Reactions and Long-Term Impact
The rise in temporary resident approvals has prompted a wide range of responses. While many in the business and education sectors support the economic boost, others warn of growing uncertainty for temporary residents caught between opportunity and enforcement.
Public consultations held in 2024 showed that while 44% of Canadians were satisfied with the permanent resident targets, concerns about housing, healthcare, and job competition remain high.
Meanwhile, critics argue that the simultaneous increase in approvals and deportations may harm Canada’s image as a welcoming country.
Yet supporters of the new direction believe that a managed approach is essential to protect the integrity of the immigration system and prioritize those already contributing to Canada’s economy.
In fact, over 40% of Canada’s planned permanent residents for 2025 will come from the pool of current temporary residents highlighting a shift toward converting in-country talent rather than relying solely on overseas applicants.
Looking Ahead
Canada’s approval of over 834,000 temporary residents in the first quarter of 2025 demonstrates strong global interest in what the country offers. But it also signals a transition toward a more controlled immigration model, one that seeks to balance opportunity with sustainability.
For individuals planning to study, work, or visit Canada, the path remains open but navigating it requires a clear understanding of IRCC’s evolving policies and requirements.