OTTAWA — International student and temporary foreign worker arrivals to Canada plummeted sharply in the first half of 2026 based on the most recent data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The massive reduction follows a series of federal policy restrictions aimed at curbing non-permanent resident numbers and stabilizing immigration at sustainable levels.
According to IRCC's official report for the first half of the year, new international student arrivals between January and June 2026 fell by 82% compared to the same period in 2024, representing a decrease of about 102,520 students. Of the federal target of 155,000 new student arrivals set for 2026, only 22,405 arrived during the first six months of the year.
“We’re reducing the number of international students coming to Canada to a sustainable level,” IRCC stated in its report. “You’ll notice seasonal changes in the data for study permits, with increases before the start of each semester, particularly in August, ahead of the fall semester.”
The steep drop was a result of measures implemented by IRCC, including an annual cap on international student study permits which started in 2024, made acceptance letter reviews mandatory and raised the financial proof requirements for student permit applicants. The federal government also encouraged higher admissions for master's and doctoral students under its International Talent Attraction Strategy.
Temporary Foreign Worker Arrivals Fall by 60%
A similar massive decrease on intake occurred among new temporary foreign worker whose arrivals between January and June 2026 dropped by 60% compared to the same months in 2024, or about 146,865 fewer temporary workers. The governments annual target worker arrivals for 2026 is 230,000, but Canada has admitted so far only 98,125 temporary workers in the first half of the year.
“As Canada’s economy evolves, it’s important that we focus on providing job opportunities to those who are already in Canada, including newcomers,” IRCC said.
Key reforms were made under the TFW program to reduce the intake including establishing a 10% cap on low-wage temporary foreign worker hiring, 20% for specific in-demand sectors, and restrictions on eligibilities of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Spousal Work Permit.
PR Approvals are On-Track to Target says IRCC
On permanent residency applications, Canada has approved 155,800 new permanent residents between January and June 2026. This figure is less than half of their target of 380,000 new PR’s for 2026, but IRCC said they still remain on-track to meet its permanent residency goals with just about four months left in the year by shifting focus to individuals already residing within the country.
“Canada’s immigration system is evolving to support long-term economic growth while achieving sustainable immigration levels. That’s why we’re helping more temporary residents, people who are already working, studying, and contributing to their communities, become permanent residents,” IRCC noted.
“They are well-integrated, as they usually have a Canadian education, Canadian work experience and strong skills in one or both official languages. Most of them apply for permanent residence through economic programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program, which are designed to select people who meet Canada’s labour market and regional priorities.”
IRCC said they are making the immigration system more responsive to the needs of the country and committed to returning immigration to sustainable levels, stabilizing the number of new permanent residents each year to less than 1% of total population beyond 2027 with a focus on giving permanent residence to people already living in, working in, and contributing to Canada.
