In the first three months of 2025, Canada approved 834,010 temporary resident applications and extensions. This includes study permits, work permits, and visitor visas. The data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows Canada remains a popular place for education, work, and tourism.
This approval surge reflects Canada’s ongoing role as a global destination. But it also highlights challenges in managing its growing temporary resident population. In this blog, we break down the numbers, explore the top countries applying, and discuss what these trends mean for Canada’s economy and immigration system.
Breakdown of Temporary Resident Approvals
From January to March 2025, IRCC approved a large volume of applications:
- Study Permits: 96,015 approvals, showing Canada’s appeal to international students. Many study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and use these permits to later seek permanent residency.
- Work Permits: 186,805 approvals, filling key roles in healthcare, agriculture, and tech. Programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) support these needs.
- Visitor Visas: 273,990 approvals. These Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) allow tourists, family visitors, and business travelers from visa-required countries to enter Canada.
Besides new permits, IRCC processed many extensions. This activity underlines the ongoing demand for a temporary resident visa Canada.
However, the total applications processed (new and extensions) reached 1,370,400, meaning some were refused after screening. IRCC maintains strict checks to ensure applicants meet eligibility and security standards.
Top Source Countries for Temporary Resident Visas
Canada’s diversity shows in where applications come from. The top ten source countries for temporary resident applications in early 2025 are:
- India: 382,055 applications, mainly for study and work permits. India leads due to its large student base and skilled workforce.
- Nigeria: 104,835 applications, many applying from provinces like Ontario.
- China: 100,890 applications, with students and tourists as key groups.
- Mexico: 59,305 applications, supported by trade agreements and seasonal worker programs.
- Iran: 49,735 applications, including students and professionals.
- Philippines: 48,430 applications, many in caregiving and hospitality sectors.
- Ukraine: 33,110 applications, supported by temporary measures for Ukrainians.
- Pakistan: 31,355 applications.
- Colombia: 27,165 applications.
- Bangladesh: 27,080 applications.
This wide spread reflects Canada’s global appeal and the demand for a temporary visa Ontario Canada.
The Paradox: Approvals and Enforcement
Canada is welcoming thousands of new temporary residents while enforcing rules strictly. IRCC aims to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the population by 2026. This means tighter rules, more checks, and more removals of those who overstay or break visa conditions.
Some temporary residents already in Canada have received notices to leave, especially if their permits expired or if they worked or studied without permission. The new rules let IRCC cancel visitor visas, work permits, and study permits if fraud or non-compliance is found.
This creates tension. Canada wants to support new arrivals while ensuring fairness and security in its immigration system.
What This Means for Applicants in Ontario
If you plan to submit a visitor visa application Ontario, or apply for other temporary permits, keep these points in mind:
- Follow all application rules carefully to avoid refusals.
- Avoid overstaying or working without authorization.
- Stay updated on policy changes, as IRCC is tightening enforcement.
- Consider seeking advice from immigration professionals to improve your chances.
Economic and Social Impact
Temporary residents play a big role in Canada’s economy. Students bring billions through tuition and living costs. Temporary workers fill labor gaps in key sectors like health care and agriculture. Visitors boost tourism revenue.
But rapid growth strains housing, services, and infrastructure. This led IRCC to limit some study permits and restrict work permits for spouses of students and workers starting in 2025.
Balancing economic needs and public concerns is a major challenge for Canada’s immigration system.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s approval of over 834,000 temporary resident applications in early 2025 shows its strong global pull. Yet, tighter enforcement and new limits mark a shift toward managing immigration more carefully.
Anyone applying for a temporary resident visa Canada, especially in Ontario, should prepare their applications honestly and fully. Understanding the current environment helps avoid refusals or penalties.
Canada remains a land of opportunity, but staying within the rules is key to a successful stay. Keep informed, follow the law, and seek expert help if needed to navigate the temporary visa process in Ontario, Canada.