Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced major revisions to Canada’s immigration policies, revealing plans to reduce immigration numbers starting in 2025. The decision is a response to growing public concern over rising housing costs and the increasing number of immigrants entering the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, Trudeau emphasized that stricter regulations would be introduced, particularly for temporary foreign workers. He stated, “We’re going to have fewer temporary foreign workers in Canada. We’re bringing in stricter rules for companies to prove why they can’t hire Canadian workers first.” These changes are designed to make it more difficult for foreign workers to find employment and settle in Canada.
This policy shift follows a recent cut in the issuance of study permits for international students, which saw a 35% reduction this year. A further 10% cut is anticipated for 2025, with the government planning to issue around 437,000 study permits, down from 485,000 in 2024.
The total number of new immigrants will also be reduced by approximately 30,000, bringing the figure to about 300,000 in 2025, down from the 485,000 welcomed in 2023.
The Trudeau government has faced increasing pressure from the public, who are grappling with a housing shortage and rising interest rates, both of which have been exacerbated by record immigration levels. Public opinion polls suggest that the growing perception that Canada is accepting too many immigrants may become a key issue in the upcoming federal election, expected before October 2025.
Looking ahead, the government plans to issue 395,000 new permanent resident visas in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.
