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Canada’s Slowing Population Growth

Canada is seeing very little population growth, a result of recent federal cuts to immigration.

Canada’s population growth has slowed to almost a standstill, mainly because of new immigration limits introduced by the federal government. Between April and July 2025, the country added just over 47,000 people (a 0.1% increase) — the weakest second-quarter growth since the pandemic in 2020.

In previous years, growth was far stronger, with increases ranging from about 257,000 to 322,000 people.

Immigration’s Role in Growth

Immigration is still the biggest driver of growth, but its share has dropped.

  • Q2 2025: Immigration accounted for about 71% of growth

  • Q2 2024: Over 95% of growth came from immigration

Decline in Temporary Residents

The number of temporary residents continues to decline, falling for the third straight quarter.

  • As of July 2025, temporary residents made up 7.3% of Canada’s population (3 million people), down from 7.6% in late 2024.

  • Most of this drop came from fewer international students and temporary workers:

    • –32,000 study permit holders

    • –20,000 work permit holders

    • –19,000 with both permits

This decline reflects several policy changes since 2024, including:

  • A cap on study permits

  • Restrictions on spousal work permits

  • Tighter rules for post-graduation work permits

  • Limits on low-wage job approvals in cities with high unemployment

Immigration Levels Plan (2025–2027)

The government’s plan is the first to set targets for temporary residents:

  • 2025: 673,650

  • 2026: 516,600

  • 2027: 543,600

The goal is to bring temporary residents down to just 5% of the population by the end of 2026.

Arrivals in 2025

So far in 2025, arrivals have dropped sharply compared to last year:

  • Student arrivals: –55%

  • Worker arrivals: –37%

  • Nearly 235,000 fewer newcomers entered Canada between January and July 2025

Comprehension & Summary Q&A

What was Canada’s population growth rate in Q2 2025?

  • 0.1% (47,098 people)

How does the 2025 Q2 growth compare to previous years?

  • Weakest since 2020.

  • Increases were much higher before: 257,000 (2022), 322,000 (2023), 272,000 (2024).

What percentage of Q2 2025 growth came from immigration?

  • 71.5%, down from 95.3% in Q2 2024.

Which group saw the largest decline?

  • Study permit holders (–32,025).

What is the government’s target for the share of temporary residents by 2026?

  • To reduce it to 5% of the total population.

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