Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals a sharp downward trend in temporary resident arrivals, with a 72% decrease in new student and worker permits issued in early 2026 compared to the same period in 2024. This decline follows several federal measures, including an annual cap on international student study permits and a 10% limit on low-wage temporary foreign worker hiring. While the total number of permit holders currently in Canada rema

As 2026 approaches, Canada remains the only country among the major study destinations to enforce a strict numerical limit on international student intake. While Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have introduced various policy measures to manage foreign enrolment, Canada has implemented actual caps—408,000 study permits for 2026, down 7% from 2025 targets. The policy responds to public concerns over housing shortages and healthcare capacity amid rising imm