India has once again emerged as the top source of temporary visas to Canada, accounting for nearly half of all approvals in the first quarter of 2025. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 834,010 applications for study permits, work permits, and visitor visas were approved between January and March, with 382,055 — or 45.8 percent — granted to Indian nationals. The surge was largely driven by students and skilled professionals targeting high-demand fields such as healthcare and technology.
Nigeria followed with 104,835 approved applications, while China recorded 100,890 and Mexico 59,305. Other leading contributors included Iran, the Philippines, Ukraine, Pakistan, Colombia, and Bangladesh. Trends varied by country, with Nigeria’s rise linked to opportunities in Ontario and British Columbia’s labour markets, and Filipino applicants continuing to meet demand in caregiving and hospitality roles.
Even as approvals rise, Canada is moving to rein in growth. Under its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC has capped study permit applications at 10 percent below last year’s figure, set tighter rules for open work permits for spouses, and introduced stricter enforcement measures. Ottawa has set arrival targets at 673,650 for 2025, 516,600 for 2026, and 543,600 for 2027, with a heavy focus on work and study permits.
Officials say the changes are aimed at balancing economic growth with sustainability, noting that international students and workers contribute significantly through tuition fees, living costs, and by filling labour shortages in critical sectors. At the same time, the influx has intensified Canada’s housing crisis and strained public services. The government estimates that tighter caps will slow population growth in 2025 and 2026, potentially easing pressure on housing before demand rebounds in 2027.
IRCC projects that more than 40 percent of permanent residency approvals in 2025 will come from individuals already in Canada under temporary status, reflecting a shift toward integrating students and skilled workers into the long-term economy.