Canada faces wave of visa expiries as over four million temporary permits lapse in 2025 and 2026

Canada is facing a sharp turnover in its temporary migrant population, with more than four million temporary resident permits set to expire across 2025 and 2026, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, IRCC.

The figures, first reported by Canadian media citing IRCC data, show that about 2.1 million temporary permits are due to expire in 2025, while a further 1.8 million are projected to expire in 2026. The total includes study permits, work permits and visitor documents issued to foreign nationals allowed to live in Canada for a limited period.

The numbers reflect several years of record inflows of international students and temporary workers into Canada. In recent years, the country expanded temporary migration to address labour shortages and support post pandemic economic recovery. That growth is now feeding into a large cycle of expiries.

Read also: Canada simplifies study permit process for some international students

Among those most affected are Indian nationals, who make up one of the largest groups of temporary residents in Canada. Multiple reports based on IRCC data show that Indians account for a significant share of study and work permits issued in recent years. Analysts cited in coverage of the IRCC figures estimate that nearly half of work permits set to expire over the two year period are held by Indian nationals, reflecting their strong presence in Canada’s temporary workforce and student population.

The scale of the expiries has raised questions about how many temporary residents will renew their status, transition to permanent residence or leave the country. Immigration lawyers quoted in Canadian media described the volume as significant, noting that Canada’s temporary resident inventory grew rapidly in recent years.

The issue comes as Ottawa adjusts its broader immigration policy. The federal government has introduced caps on new international student permits and has signalled efforts to better manage temporary resident numbers amid concerns about housing, infrastructure and social services. The immigration minister has also spoken about the need for improved tracking of departures, acknowledging gaps in exit data that make it difficult to determine how many people leave after their permits expire.

Under Canada’s rules, temporary residents must apply to extend or change their status before their permits lapse. Those who fail to do so risk losing legal status, which could affect their ability to work, study or remain in the country.

For countries such as India and Nigeria, where Canada is a top destination for students and skilled workers, the expiry wave could have ripple effects. It may influence remittance flows, education planning and migration decisions in the coming years.

As 2025 progresses and 2026 approaches, the volume of expiring permits is likely to remain central to debates about Canada’s immigration model, labour market needs and long term population strategy.

Chioma Onuh is a journalist, social media manager and SEO specialist with over five years of experience in digital storytelling and audience engagement. She writes clear, human-centred stories and profiles, and currently manages digital content and strategy at BusinessDay.

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