By Joke Kujenya
COMPREHENSIVE RESTRICTIONS on temporary visas will limit international students and foreign workers to less than five percent of the Canadian population by 2027, following a landmark announcement during the opening of the 45th Parliament.
The policy aims to restore balance within the immigration system and reduce strain on national infrastructure.
King Charles III, addressing Parliament as Canada’s Head of State, confirmed the policy shift in a throne speech outlining the government’s commitment to rebuilding public trust in immigration.
“The Government will cap the total number of temporary foreign workers and international students to less than five percent of Canada’s population by 2027,” he stated.
“By doing this, the Government will attract the best talent in the world… while sending a clear message to Canadians working abroad that there is no better time to come home.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney, seated beside the monarch during the Senate session in Ottawa, heard immigration policy take centre stage alongside economic priorities and geopolitical affairs.
The revised framework represents a strategic pivot away from short-term migration in favour of permanent residency pathways.
Data from 2023 shows 682,889 study permits were issued—many to Nigerian and African nationals. Under the new cap, this figure will drop to an estimated 305,900 annually between 2025 and 2027.
Similarly, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will stabilise at 82,000 permits per year.
Officials say these reductions will ease pressure on public services and housing markets while supporting sustainable infrastructure growth.
The shift also reflects increasing public consensus to privilege long-term integration over transient migration.
For Nigerians and other Africans, who rank among the highest contributors to Canada’s international student population, the revised policy signals heightened competition and necessitates strategic realignment.
Applicants will likely face stricter entry requirements and will need to demonstrate skills aligned with Canada’s labour market needs to remain competitive.
