Canada Immigration Guide 2025: What Temporary Residents Need to Know
Last Updated On 10 December 2025, 8:52 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Canada is heading into one of the most consequential years for temporary residents, especially international graduates and foreign workers, to remain legally in the country. As we approach 2026, tens of thousands of individuals will face expiring permits at a time when federal policies are tightening, permanent residency pathways are narrowing, and economic pressures are reshaping the immigration landscape. The situation is especially time-sensitive for the 31,610 individuals holding Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) set to expire by December 31, 2025, according to IRCC data provided to The Globe and Mail. Many of these graduates arrived during years of record-high international student enrollments and were encouraged by institutions, consultants, and government messaging to build long-term plans in Canada. However, with Canada reducing temporary resident levels, adjusting PR targets, and enforcing stricter study permit rules, temporary residents facing expiring documents are increasingly unsure what options remain — and what consequences they might face if they fail to transition to another status. This comprehensive guide breaks down every viable option temporary residents can consider in 2025-2026, along with risks, timelines, and strategies to avoid falling out of status.
Scale of Permit Expirations in 2025–2026
A major concern raised in recent months is the significant number of temporary residents who will lose their status by the end of 2025. Publicly available data now shows:
- 31,610 PGWP holders have permits expiring by December 31, 2025.
- Last year, approximately 70,000 PGWPs expired.
- IRCC reports that among 115,000 PGWP expirations in 2025, only 12% successfully extended or transitioned to another work permit.
- This figure excludes transitions to permanent residency — a pathway that is becoming harder due to lower PR targets and stricter program criteria.
Meanwhile, Canada is shifting its immigration strategy. However, the number does not include people who remain after their permits expire. Some immigration economists estimate that Canada may have close to one million undocumented individuals, many of whom originally entered legally on temporary visas that later expired. This context makes it even more important for temporary residents with upcoming expirations to proactively secure their next step.
10 Options For Temporary Residents Before Their Permits Expire
This section outlines all the viable legal pathways temporary residents can consider before or after their status expires. It includes timelines, risks, and suitability for different situations.
Option 1: Apply for Permanent Residency Before Your Permit Expires
