Canada has announced plans to reduce international student permits and tighten regulations for foreign workers starting in 2025. The decision, revealed on Wednesday, is part of the country’s effort to curb the growing number of temporary residents.
This move follows several measures aimed at addressing the high immigration levels that have pushed Canada’s population beyond 41 million. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration has pointed to increased immigration as putting pressure on housing, the job market, and social services.
“It’s a privilege to come to Canada, not a right,” stated Immigration Minister Marc Miller during a press conference.
For 2025, Canada plans to issue 437,000 study permits, a significant decrease from the 485,000 permits issued in 2024 and over 500,000 in 2023. In addition, new restrictions will be placed on work permits for the spouses of some international students and foreign workers.
The government is also increasing scrutiny on travel visas to combat a rise in fraudulent or rejected asylum claims.
Ottawa has set a goal to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5% of the total population, down from the 6.8% recorded in April. These measures are expected to impact Nigerians and other immigrants looking to study or work in Canada.
