Canada Welcomes 834,310 New Temporary Resident Applications in Major Move
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In the first quarter of 2025, Canada approved a remarkable 834,010 temporary resident applications and extensions. This figure includes study permits, work permits, and visitor visas. The surge highlights Canada’s proactive approach to welcoming global talent, students, and tourists. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows a strong upward trend in temporary admissions.
Breakdown of Canada’s Temporary Visa Approvals in 2025
Canada has made significant progress in processing temporary resident applications at the start of 2025. With hundreds of thousands of permits granted across study, work, and visitor visa categories, the country continues to streamline its pathway for short-term migration.
- Study Permit: A total of 96,015 study permits were granted, reinforcing Canada’s global reputation for top-tier education. These permits mainly support students enrolled for more than six months at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), with many later transitioning to permanent residency through programs like the PGWP.
- Work Permits: IRCC approved 186,805 work permits, largely driven by employer-led initiatives under the TFWP and IMP. These permits help fill skill gaps in vital sectors such as tech, farming, and healthcare, aligning with national workforce goals.
- Visitor Visas: Visitor visa approvals reached 273,990, underscoring Canada’s growing appeal for tourism, business, and family visits. These visas are issued to nationals of countries that require formal entry permission, reflecting diverse travel motivations.
In addition to these approvals, the government processed 159,200 study permit applications and 396,000 work permit cases (including extensions), pushing total applications handled to 1,370,400.
Also Read: Canada’s Express Entry Draws Trend and Changes In 2025
Top Countries Driving Canada’s Temporary Resident Applications in Early 2025
Canada’s appeal as a destination for education, work, and travel continues to attract applicants from all over the world. The first quarter of 2025 saw a diverse mix of countries leading the change in temporary resident applications, reflecting global interest in Canada’s opportunities. Here’s a closer look at the top source countries contributing to this influx.
- India: Leading with over 300,000 applications, India remains a major contributor, fueled by a large number of students and skilled professionals, especially in the technology and healthcare fields.
- Nigeria: More than 100,000 applications highlight Nigeria’s growing interest in Canadian education and employment, particularly in key provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.
- China: Nearly 101,000 applications mainly stem from students and tourists engaging with Canada’s international student program and travel sectors.
- Mexico: Close to 60,000 applications are influenced by trade agreements and seasonal work initiatives such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
- Iran: With almost 50,000 applications, Iranian students and professionals are attracted by Canada’s academic and economic opportunities.
- Philippines: Over 48,000 applications show strong participation in caregiving and hospitality work permits.
- Ukraine: Around 33,000 applications reflect continued Canadian support through special initiatives like the Canada-Ukraine Transitional Assistance Initiative.
- Pakistan: More than 31,000 applications come from a combination of students and workers, enhancing Canada’s workforce diversity.
- Colombia: With over 27,000 applications, Colombians mainly pursue study and work permits.
- Bangladesh: Nearly 27,000 applications indicate a rising trend of students and temporary workers seeking opportunities in Canada.
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Canada’s New Temporary Immigration Strategy
IRCC Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027 introduces a strategic approach to managing temporary immigration. For the first time, specific targets for temporary residents have been outlined to address growing economic demands while responding to concerns around infrastructure and housing.
Key Highlights:
- New Caps Introduced: Temporary resident entries are now capped at 673,650 in 2025, lowering to 516,600 in 2026 and then slightly rising to 543,000 in 2027, focusing on work and study permits rather than short-term visitors or seasonal labour.
- New Policy Measures Introduced:
- A 10% reduction in study permit applications for 2025, using the 2024 cap of 606,250 as a baseline.
- Stricter Post-Graduation Work Permit rules now prioritize students in high-demand areas such as health and skilled trades.
- Limited access to open work permits for spouses, now restricted to specific occupations starting January 21, 2025.
These measures are expected to lead to a slight population dip of 0.2% in 2025 and 2026, with a rebound in 2027. The housing supply gap may narrow by around 670,000 units by then.
Quick Read: Canada Announces Major Income Tax Cut 2025 to Ease Cost of Living Burden
Simplify Your Canadian Immigration Journey with GetGIS
Canada’s refined approach to temporary immigration aims to balance economic growth with public concerns by setting clear entry targets and implementing new policy measures. These changes reflect a commitment to sustainable immigration and long-term planning. GetGIS simplifies your Canada immigration journey with expert visa application support, fast-track approvals, and post-landing assistance.
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