Thousands of temporary workers and students in Canada are facing uncertainty as the government plans to cut down the number of temporary residents in the coming years. Many workers, like Filipino migrant Marcelo Gado, are struggling to find new jobs as employers prioritize hiring permanent residents over temporary workers due to stricter immigration policies.
Why Is Canada Cutting Immigration?
In October, the government announced a plan to reduce temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of Canada’s population by 2026. This means about 445,600 fewer spots for temporary workers, students, and refugees. The government says these changes will:
Ease pressure on housing & social services 
Ensure fairer job opportunities 
Improve immigration system oversight 
But many migrant groups say this hurts workers who are already in Canada.
Stricter Rules for Workers & Students
Canada has tightened the rules for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), making it harder for employers to hire temporary workers. International students will also face stricter eligibility requirements. Permanent residency targets are dropping from 500,000 in 2024 to 395,000 in 2025, then even lower in 2026 and 2027.
While skilled workers in fields like healthcare and trades will still have opportunities, low-wage workers are facing more obstacles to staying in Canada.
Migrant Rights Groups Speak Out
Advocacy groups say the government is using migrants as scapegoats for Canada’s housing crisis 
. The Migrant Rights Network (MRN) argues that most temporary workers live in poor conditions and are not competing for luxury homes.
“Slashing migrant numbers leaves those truly responsible off the hook,” MRN said. Amnesty International calls these policies “toxic anti-migrant narratives”, warning that many workers could become undocumented due to these changes.
Is Canada Becoming Stricter on Immigration?
Immigration lawyers say Canada is shifting to a more conservative approach by increasing border security and tightening permanent residency pathways. Deportations and rejections for residency are expected to rise.
With fewer chances for permanent status, many migrant workers are facing tough choices—stay and struggle, leave Canada, or live as undocumented workers.
What Happens Next?
As Canada reduces its immigration numbers, temporary workers will need to navigate new policies, tougher job markets, and changing visa rules. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—migrant workers are fighting to stay and build a better future.
What do you think about Canada’s new immigration rules?
