India and Nigeria ranked top, as Canada approved more than 800,000 temporary resident applications and extensions in the first three months of 2025, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This includes study permits, work permits, and visitor visas.
The data relates to Canada’s ongoing demand for international talent and tourism, while also highlighting policy tensions within its immigration system.
As reported by Immigration News Canada (INC), the total number of processed applications from January to March 2025 reached 1.37 million. Of these, 834,010 were approved, reflecting both new entries and status extensions.
Leading Source Countries
Temporary resident applicants came from a wide range of countries. The top 10 source countries for applications processed between January and March 2025 were:
- India – 382,055 applications
- Nigeria – 104,835
- China – 100,890
- Mexico – 59,305
- Iran – 49,735
- Philippines – 48,430
- Ukraine – 33,110
- Pakistan – 31,355
- Colombia – 27,165
- Bangladesh – 27,080
These figures, as reported, include all permit types and demonstrate Canada’s reach across regions, including Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
Breakdown by Permit Category
The 834,010 approved applications consisted of:
- Study Permits: 96,015 approvals. These are issued to international students enrolled at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) for six months or more. Many use this permit as a step toward permanent residency through programs such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).
- Work Permits: 186,805 approvals. These fall under programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP), targeting sectors with labour shortages, including agriculture, technology, and healthcare.
- Visitor Visas: 273,990 approvals. Also called Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), these are typically granted for tourism, business, or family visits to applicants from visa-required countries.
In total, IRCC processed 159,200 study permits (including extensions) and 396,000 work permits (including extensions). Not all processed applications were approved, reflecting IRCC’s screening under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
Policy Enforcement and Departure Notices
While new approvals rise, Canada is also increasing enforcement against non-compliant temporary residents. In February 2025, amendments to immigration regulations gave IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) greater authority to cancel permits for reasons such as fraud or overstaying.
Some temporary residents have received removal notices after permit expirations or regulatory violations. At the same time, IRCC has announced its goal of reducing temporary residents to 5% of the national population by 2026. This includes stricter monitoring and reduced entry caps.
Planned Reductions and Economic Adjustments
The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan introduces annual targets for temporary resident admissions. The target for 2025 is 673,650, with reductions to 516,600 in 2026 and 543,600 in 2027. These limits focus on work and study permits and exclude visitors and seasonal workers.
Several policy changes were implemented:
- Study Permit Cap: 2025 applications are capped at 90% of the 2024 volume.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit Reforms: Stricter eligibility rules align with labour market demands.
- Open Work Permit Restrictions: Eligibility is now limited to spouses in specific sectors.
These adjustments are part of Canada’s strategy to address housing supply, infrastructure, and labour market pressure.
Mixed Reactions to Immigration Approach
Stakeholders have voiced differing opinions on the policy direction. Some business and education sectors express concern about labour shortages and declining international student enrollment due to higher living costs and new language rules.
Others support enforcement actions to ensure compliance with Canadian immigration law. Over 40% of 2025 permanent residents are expected to come from the existing pool of temporary residents, which IRCC sees as a way to retain skilled individuals already integrated into society.
According to IRCC consultations, 44% of respondents agreed with current permanent resident levels. However, reports indicate there is ongoing debate about the simultaneous approval of newcomers and issuance of removal orders.
Canada’s approval of 834,010 temporary resident applications in the first quarter of 2025 marks a high level of international engagement. At the same time, tighter controls and future reductions indicate a shift toward a more regulated system.
As Canada continues to manage its immigration framework, potential applicants are encouraged to stay informed about policy updates. For official guidance and resources, visit Canada.ca.
