Canada has recorded a sharp decline in the number of new students and temporary workers arriving in the country in 2026, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Canada received 47,730 new student and worker arrivals between January and March 2026. This included 11,195 study permit holders and 36,535 work permit holders.
The figure was 29% lower than the same period in 2025. Compared with January to March 2024, arrivals were down 75%, or 145,625 fewer arrivals.
Monthly data shows that Canada recorded 18,760 new student and worker arrivals in January 2026. This included 6,975 study permit holders and 11,785 work permit holders.
In February, the country recorded 12,975 arrivals, including 2,135 study permit holders and 10,840 work permit holders. In March, arrivals stood at 15,995, including 2,085 study permit holders and 13,910 work permit holders.
IRCC said the decline shows that measures introduced by the government are working. The department said the downward trend reflects Canada’s commitment to a “well-managed and sustainable immigration system.”
Canada said it is reducing the number of students and temporary workers coming to the country to ease pressure on housing, infrastructure and services. The government has also committed to bringing Canada’s temporary population below 5%.
Student arrivals saw one of the sharpest drops. Canada recorded 2,085 new student arrivals in March 2026. Between January and March 2026, new student arrivals were 79% lower than the same period in 2024, down by 42,465 arrivals.
New worker arrivals also declined sharply. Canada recorded 13,910 new worker arrivals in March 2026. Between January and March 2026, new worker arrivals were 74% lower than the same period in 2024, down by 103,160 arrivals.
The figures show that the decline in new temporary resident arrivals has continued into 2026, with both student and worker arrivals remaining well below the levels recorded in early 2024.
