Fewer students, fewer workers, is Canada changing its immigration system to keep things balanced?
Canada is planning a major shift in its immigration system, aiming to reduce the number of temporary residents like international students and foreign workers.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the country will cut the number of new temporary residents from about 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026. This move is part of a broader plan to bring immigration to a more “sustainable level,” as explained by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab.
The decision comes as Canada faces pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services. With more people entering the country in recent years, demand for homes and basic services has increased. By lowering the number of incoming temporary residents, the government hopes to ease this pressure while still supporting economic growth.
At the same time, Canada is not closing its doors. The country still plans to welcome about 380,000 permanent residents in 2026. These are people who can live and work in Canada long-term. The government also wants to focus more on skilled workers, especially in key sectors like health care, construction, and technology.
Immigration remains very important to Canada’s economy. In fact, it accounts for nearly all of the country’s labour force growth. This means new workers from other countries help fill job gaps and keep businesses running. The new plan aims to balance this need with the country’s capacity to support newcomers.
Another key goal is to reduce the total number of temporary residents to about 5% of Canada’s population by 2026. The government also plans to improve how it selects candidates, including giving priority to those with strong skills or French language ability.
