The Canadian federal government has announced plans to significantly reduce the number of temporary visas (e.g., for work or study) issued to foreigners. The 2026 budget proposal calls for the country to accept approximately 385,000 temporary residents in 2026, which is approximately 43% less than the 2025 target.
Reasons for the reduction
According to official reports, the main factors are:
- a significant increase in the number of temporary residents in previous years, which has put pressure on social infrastructure and the labor market;
- the government's desire to balance immigration policy and return to a more controlled model of temporary resident influx;
- the need to reorganize the permit system, as the number of applications exceeded expectations and processing resources.
Who may be affected
The reduction affects a large number of categories of temporary residents — from workers and students to other types of temporary residence permits. This is especially important for those who were planning to move or study in Canada from a foreign country.
For example, for Ukrainians who used the Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, the situation may become more complicated if they intended to take advantage of additional permits or services related to temporary status.
Implications for the market and society
- Fewer job openings for foreign workers: Employers may face tougher competition for permits or the need to seek local candidates.
- Greater strain on adaptation infrastructure: the less controlled influx has stimulated the creation of new immigrant support programs; reducing the number of permits provides an opportunity to better allocate resources.
- Increased competition for educational programs: it may be more difficult for students from abroad to obtain permits or enter the country, which will affect universities that focus on international students.
- Socio-economic tension: the reduction may put additional pressure on the migration plans of people who were already preparing to move — more planning and flexibility will be required.
What to do now
If you are planning to move, work, or study in Canada, we recommend that you:
- Check your permit type and whether it may be subject to the new quotas.
- Consider alternative routes — such as permanent residence (PR), which may be less dependent on temporary status quotas.
- Consult with an immigration lawyer or licensed consultant to update your plan of action in light of the changes.
- Monitor official resources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for accurate figures and updates.
The situation may still change — stay tuned for updates, as the final parameters may be approved closer to the beginning of 2026.