Quick Summary
New data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirms that Canada’s measures to reduce temporary migration are working. As of January 31, 2026, new arrivals of international students and temporary foreign workers have declined significantly compared to the previous year.
Key January 2026 vs. January 2025 comparisons:
| Category | Change |
|---|---|
| New student arrivals | ↓ 37% (4,175 fewer) |
| New worker arrivals | ↓ 20% (3,035 fewer) |
| Total new arrivals (students + workers) | ↓ 28% (7,205 fewer) |
Despite these declines in new arrivals, the total number of temporary residents already in Canada remains high — over 2.1 million people hold study permits, work permits, or both as of January 31, 2026.
Government Target: Canada has committed to reducing its temporary population to less than 5% of the total population to ease pressures on housing, infrastructure, and services.
On This Page
- New Student and Worker Arrivals Are Declining
- International Students: 37% Fewer New Arrivals
- Temporary Workers: 20% Fewer New Arrivals
- Total Temporary Residents in Canada: Over 2.1 Million
- From Temporary to Permanent: A Key Pathway
- What Measures Has Canada Implemented?
- How the Data Is Counted (What’s Included and Excluded)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Official Sources
New Student and Worker Arrivals Are Declining
The number of new people arriving in Canada with study or work permits is on a clear downward trend. This reflects the impact of policy changes introduced in 2024 and 2025, including caps on study permits and restrictions on work permits.
Monthly new arrivals (students + workers):
| Month | Total New Arrivals |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | 26,095 |
| January 2026 | 18,890 |
| Change | ↓ 7,205 (28% fewer) |
The most dramatic drops occurred in student arrivals, which have historically been highest in December and August (before winter and fall semesters). January 2026 saw only 7,040 new student arrivals compared to 11,215 in January 2025.
International Students: 37% Fewer New Arrivals
Canada has aggressively reduced the number of new international students through an annual cap on study permits, first introduced in 2024 and further reduced for 2025 and 2026.
New Student Arrivals (Monthly)
| Month | New Study Permit Holders |
|---|---|
| December 2023 (peak) | 95,310 |
| August 2024 (peak) | 79,725 |
| December 2024 | 29,830 |
| January 2025 | 11,215 |
| August 2025 | 45,010 |
| January 2026 | 7,040 |
Key observations:
- January 2026 saw 37% fewer new students than January 2025
- The seasonal peaks (August and December) are also declining
- The cap on study permits is visibly reducing intake
Total Students in Canada (as of January 31, 2026)
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| People who only hold a study permit | 460,695 |
| People who hold both a study and work permit | 234,770 |
| Total with a valid study permit | 695,465 |
Note: The total number of study permit holders has dropped from a peak of over 679,000 in early 2024 to approximately 695,000 in January 2026 (including dual holders). However, the number of only study permit holders has declined significantly from 673,920 in December 2023 to 460,695 in January 2026 — a drop of over 200,000.
Temporary Workers: 20% Fewer New Arrivals
New worker arrivals have also declined, though less dramatically than students. Canada has reformed the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) , while also limiting work permits for spouses of temporary residents.
New Worker Arrivals (Monthly)
| Month | New Work Permit Holders |
|---|---|
| March 2024 (peak) | 63,655 |
| January 2025 | 14,880 |
| January 2026 | 11,850 |
| Change | ↓ 3,035 (20% fewer) |
Breakdown by Program (January 2026)
| Program | New Arrivals |
|---|---|
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | 2,675 |
| International Mobility Program (IMP) | 9,175 |
| Total | 11,850 |
The IMP — which includes PGWP holders, NAFTA/CUSMA professionals, and other work permit categories — continues to account for the majority of new worker arrivals (over 77% in January 2026).
Total Workers in Canada (as of January 31, 2026)
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| People who only hold a work permit | 1,481,590 |
| People who hold both a work and study permit | 234,770 |
| Total with a valid work permit | 1,716,360 |
The total number of work permit holders has grown steadily, from approximately 1.23 million in December 2023 to over 1.48 million in January 2026 (excluding dual holders). Including dual holders, the total exceeds 1.7 million.
Total Temporary Residents in Canada: Over 2.1 Million
Combining all categories, the total number of people holding a study permit, work permit, or both as of January 31, 2026, is:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Study permit only | 460,695 |
| Work permit only | 1,481,590 |
| Both study and work permit | 234,770 |
| Total temporary residents (students + workers) | 2,177,055 |
Important: This total does not include asylum claimants, protected persons, or their family members who may also hold permits. The actual temporary population is larger.
Historical Comparison (December 2023 vs. January 2026)
| Category | December 2023 | January 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study permit only | 673,920 | 460,695 | ↓ 213,225 |
| Work permit only | 1,232,510 | 1,481,590 | ↑ 249,080 |
| Both permits | 320,815 | 234,770 | ↓ 86,045 |
| Total | 2,227,245 | 2,177,055 | ↓ 50,190 |
While the total number of temporary residents has decreased slightly from its peak, the composition has shifted significantly: fewer students, more workers.
From Temporary to Permanent: A Key Pathway
Canada is actively helping temporary residents transition to permanent residence, recognizing that they are already integrated into Canadian society.
In January 2026 alone:
- Over 14,000 former temporary residents became permanent residents
- This group accounted for approximately 60% of new permanent residents that month
These individuals typically have:
- Canadian education
- Canadian work experience
- Strong language skills (English or French)
Most apply through economic programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which are designed to select candidates who meet Canada’s labour market and regional priorities.
What Measures Has Canada Implemented?
Canada has introduced multiple policy changes to reduce temporary migration:
For International Students
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Cap on study permits | Introduced in 2024, further reduced for 2025 and 2026 |
| Mandatory acceptance letter review | Prevents fraud |
| Higher financial requirements | Better prepares students for cost of living |
| Further reductions planned | 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan includes continued declines |
For Temporary Workers
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| TFWP low-wage cap | 10% limit on low-wage hiring (20% for certain in-demand sectors) |
| Stop processing low-wage applications | In census metropolitan areas with 6%+ unemployment |
| Increased minimum wage for high-wage roles | More jobs now subject to restrictions |
| PGWP eligibility tightened | Aligns with immigration goals and labour market needs |
| Spousal work permit limits | Restricted for spouses of students and temporary workers |
| Accelerated PR for in-demand workers | Helps temporary skilled workers transition |
| Further reductions planned | 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan |
How the Data Is Counted (What’s Included and Excluded)
Understanding what these numbers represent is critical.
Included in the Data
- New arrivals = people issued a study or work permit in that month
- Total in Canada = permit holders as of the last day of the month
Excluded from New Arrivals Data
| Group | Reason for Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Asylum claimants | Not part of planned immigration; volumes cannot be directly controlled |
| Permit extensions | Already in Canada; extensions don't reflect new pressures |
| Seasonal agricultural workers | Short stays, employer-provided housing, critical to food supply |
| Workers here ≤270 days (start/end same calendar year) | Short-term, meeting immediate labour needs (e.g., tourism, construction) |
Important Note on Dual Permit Holders
People can hold both a study and work permit at the same time. For example, international students with a co-op component need a separate work permit. These individuals are counted in both categories when applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new students arrived in Canada in January 2026?
7,040 new study permit holders arrived in January 2026, down 37% from 11,215 in January 2025.
How many new workers arrived in January 2026?
11,850 new work permit holders arrived, down 20% from 14,880 in January 2025.
What is the total number of temporary residents in Canada?
As of January 31, 2026, there were approximately 2.18 million people holding a study permit, work permit, or both (excluding asylum claimants).
Why did student arrivals drop so sharply?
Canada introduced a cap on study permits in 2024, further reduced for 2025 and 2026, along with stricter financial requirements and mandatory acceptance letter verification.
Are temporary worker numbers also declining?
New worker arrivals are declining (down 20% year-over-year in January 2026). However, the total number of workers in Canada continues to grow, reaching 1.48 million (work permit only) as of January 2026.
What is Canada's target for temporary residents?
Canada has committed to reducing the temporary population to less than 5% of the total population.
How many temporary residents become permanent residents?
In January 2026, over 14,000 former temporary residents became permanent residents — about 60% of all new permanent residents that month.
Where can I find more detailed data?
IRCC provides detailed statistics on the Open Government Portal for both temporary workers and international students.
Official Sources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| IRCC student and worker data | canada.ca (as of January 31, 2026) |
| Open Government Portal (workers) | Detailed data available |
| Open Government Portal (students) | Detailed data available |
| Immigration Levels Plan | Annual targets for 2026-2028 |
Bottom Line
Canada’s temporary migration system is in a period of significant transition.
What the data shows:
- New arrivals are declining — student arrivals down 37%, worker arrivals down 20% year-over-year
- Policy measures are working — caps, restrictions, and tighter eligibility are having an impact
- Temporary-to-permanent transition is strong — 60% of new PRs come from temporary residents
What still needs attention:
- ⚠️ Total temporary population remains high — over 2.1 million people hold permits
- ⚠️ Worker numbers continue to grow — work-only permit holders increased by 249,000 since December 2023
- ⚠️ Full effects will take time — existing inventories are processed under old rules
For prospective students and workers: The window to come to Canada as a temporary resident is narrowing. Study permit caps are in place, PGWP rules have tightened, and spousal work permits are restricted. Plan accordingly and ensure you meet the new, stricter eligibility requirements.
For policymakers: The data shows progress, but the temporary population remains far above sustainable levels. Continued monitoring and further adjustments may be needed to reach the sub-5% target.