Canada Faces Calls for Better Tracking of Temporary Residents Amid Policy Shifts

Canada is currently navigating a significant shift in its immigration landscape as the federal government works to reduce the number of temporary residents. Recent data shows that arrivals of international students and temporary foreign workers dropped by nearly 70 percent in the first half of 2026 compared to 2024. This decline follows a series of policy changes aimed at creating a more sustainable system for the country. Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that his administration is focused on regaining control over intake levels to address housing shortages and pressure on social services. Despite these reductions, experts are calling for more precise oversight of those already in the country. Parisa Mahboubi, who chairs the C.D. Howe Institute’s Immigration Targets Council, recently argued that Canada is currently struggling to track temporary residents effectively. She noted that there is a lack of clear data regarding the number of individuals who remain in the country after their visas or permits have expired. The council is now recommending that the government improve its ability to monitor departures to ensure better compliance with immigration laws. The C.D. Howe Institute has proposed that Canada lower its temporary resident population to between 3 and 4 percent of the total population. This recommendation goes further than the federal government’s current goal, which aims to bring the share of temporary residents below 5 percent by the end of 2027. These targets are part of a broader effort to balance labor needs with the capacity of national infrastructure. Officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are now working to develop a unified approach to reconcile information on expired permits. Legislative changes have also provided the government with new tools to manage the system. Bill C-12, known as the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, received Royal Assent in March 2026. This legislation grants the government the authority to cancel, suspend, or modify groups of immigration documents when it is deemed in the public interest. While these powers require Cabinet approval and public notice, they represent a significant expansion of the government's ability to respond to changing circumstances. Enforcement actions have become more visible as the government tightens its rules. In August 2026, CBSA officers conducted checks at a protest in Calgary involving international graduates who were challenging work permit refusals. During the operation, officials identified 12 individuals as possibly inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These individuals were asked to attend follow-up interviews to verify their status, highlighting the government's focus on maintaining the integrity of the immigration system. Legal challenges continue to play a role in how these policies are applied. In a recent ruling, the Federal Court of Canada set aside a visa refusal after determining that an immigration officer failed to properly consider key financial and family evidence. The court emphasized that while it does not approve or refuse visas itself, it must ensure that decisions are based on a coherent chain of reasoning. This ruling serves as a reminder that administrative decisions must remain consistent with the evidence provided by applicants. Fraud detection has also become a priority for immigration authorities. In 2025, the percentage of visitor visa refusals due to misrepresentation rose to 7.1 percent, up from 4.6 percent in 2024. To combat this, the government has implemented discretionary cancellation authorities that allow officers to review permits on a case-by-case basis. These measures are intended to ensure that those entering Canada for work or study are fully compliant with the terms of their stay. As these policies evolve, the government faces the challenge of balancing strict enforcement with the needs of the economy. The reduction in temporary resident arrivals is intended to stabilize the housing market and social infrastructure. However, stakeholders continue to debate the long-term impact of these caps on industries that rely on foreign labor. The ongoing dialogue between policymakers and independent experts suggests that further adjustments to the immigration system may be expected in the coming months. Public transparency remains a central theme in the current debate. By seeking better tracking data and clearer reporting, the government aims to build public confidence in the immigration process. The collaboration between the IRCC and the CBSA is expected to yield more comprehensive reports on permit status in the near future. These efforts are part of a wider strategy to ensure that Canada’s immigration system remains both orderly and responsive to national priorities. Ultimately, the situation in Canada reflects a global trend of nations re-evaluating their migration policies. By focusing on data accuracy and legislative reform, the government is attempting to manage the complexities of a modern, mobile population. Whether these measures will achieve the desired balance remains a subject of ongoing analysis by both government officials and independent policy researchers.