Canada to set first-ever cap on temporary residents

Canada is planning to impose limits on the number of temporary residents it lets into the country for the first time.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on Thursday plans to gradually decrease the number of temporary residents admitted over the next three years, starting with an initial cap set for September. These limits will affect international students, foreign workers, and asylum seekers.

The decision to impose restrictions follows previous discussions by the minister regarding the necessity to reassess immigration targets amid concerns about affordability and housing shortages.

Miller outlined that Canada aims to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5% of the population, down from the current 6.2%, to ensure sustainable growth in this demographic.

Highlighting a notable surge in temporary residents entering the country in recent years, Miller stated that as of 2024, Canada hosts approximately 2.5 million temporary residents, a substantial increase from nearly one million in 2021, according to data from Statistics Canada.

While acknowledging Canada’s reliance on temporary foreign workers to address labour shortages, the minister emphasised the need for systemic improvements to enhance efficiency.