The Canadian government is intensifying efforts to limit the number of study permits issued to international students and is introducing stricter criteria for work permit eligibility.
“We’re granting 35% fewer international student permits this year, and next year, that figure will drop by another 10%,” stated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“While immigration benefits our economy, we will crack down when the system is exploited, especially by those who take advantage of students.”
These actions are designed to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada, a decision made as Trudeau’s Liberal government faces mounting political pressure. Currently behind in public opinion polls and reeling from a significant by-election loss, the government has prioritized immigration and temporary residency as central political issues ahead of a federal election, expected by October 2025.
Canada tightens immigration policies
The government plans to cut the number of study permits issued to international students to 437,000 by 2025, a sharp decline from the 509,390 permits granted in 2023. In the first seven months of 2024, 175,920 study permits were already issued.
Additionally, the government is imposing stricter conditions for work permits, especially for the spouses of students and temporary foreign workers. These changes form part of a wider initiative to enhance visa integrity, aimed at preventing fraud and curbing non-genuine visitors.
“Not everyone who wishes to come to or stay in Canada will be able to,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller, underlining the government’s intent to enforce tougher residency and visa regulations.
The Trudeau administration has committed to reducing the temporary resident population to 5% of Canada’s total population, down from 6.8% in April. Although inflation reached the Bank of Canada’s target of 2% in August, public sentiment continues to link migration to economic challenges.
