New international student and temporary worker arrivals to Canada fell by 66% between January and July 2026 compared to the same period in 2024, representing a decrease of 275,010 arrivals. Official government data shows that new international student arrivals reached 28,200 during the first seven months of 2026 against an annual target of 155,000, down 80% from 2024 levels. Total active study permit holders declined to 590,205 by July 31, 2026, dropping from over one million

The C.D. Howe Institute’s immigration targets council is urging the Federal Government to implement further reductions to Canada’s temporary resident population and establish better data collection on departures. Parisa Mahboubi, chair of the council, cautioned that the government lacks accurate tracking of whether temporary residents leave after their permits expire, leaving policymakers to rely on assumptions. Although new international student and temporary worker arrivals

In a new report titled Resetting Expectations: Canada’s Economy in a Lower-Immigration Era, economists Don Drummond and Parisa Mahboubi warn that Canada's reduced immigration targets represent a fundamental structural shift. They project that real GDP growth could fall to just 0.4% in 2026, significantly trailing official forecasts from the Bank of Canada and the Federal Government's recent economic updates. The authors emphasize that upcoming monthly employment declines, est

A recent Abacus Data survey of nearly 3,000 Canadians reveals that public opinion on immigration has plateaued after last year's surge in skepticism. While roughly half of Canadians still view current immigration levels negatively and cite pressure on housing and healthcare, the data shows no further hardening of attitudes. With 67% saying the federal government's 2026 target of 380,000 newcomers is too high – down from 72% a year ago – there's evidence that reduced targets

Recent polling reveals that Canadians are largely dissatisfied with the Carney government's immigration policies, with 47% rating the...

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab has refuted claims about Canada's immigration progress, citing concrete data showing reduced...

As Immigration Minister Lena Diab develops the forthcoming immigration targets for 2025-2027, economic experts are advocating for the...

Internal messaging guidance revealed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) showcases the government's strengthened...