Canada is introducing sweeping changes to its immigration policies, potentially affecting millions of foreign workers, particularly from India. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that nearly five million temporary work permits will expire by the end of 2025, raising concerns about voluntary departures by foreign nationals.
To enforce compliance, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) will crack down on individuals overstaying their permits.
A major element of the new immigration plan includes reducing the annual target for permanent residents from 500,000 to 395,000 by 2025—a 21% decrease. Additionally, temporary foreign worker permits and international student visas are set to see substantial cuts. Foreign worker permits will drop by over 40%, while student visas will decline by 10% by 2026.
This shift could have profound implications for Canada’s Indian diaspora, which includes 1.7 million people, many of whom work as engineers, technicians, and other professionals.
The reduction in temporary work permits is expected to complicate renewals for those on short-term visas and pose challenges for individuals seeking permanent residency, creating uncertainty for many.