Canada’s permanent residence landscape is undergoing a significant shift in 2025, with former temporary foreign workers now accounting for a rising share of new permanent residents – and the number of former international students securing PR on the decline. This change reflects Ottawa’s evolving priorities, including renewed support for Canadian work experience through Express Entry and a clampdown on international student numbers and post-graduation work rights.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Data on PR transitions from work and study permits in 2025
- Breakdown of 2025 Express Entry draws
- Analysis of Canadian Experience Class trends
- Impact of PGWP restrictions on students
- Strategic recommendations for future immigrants
Former Workers Outpacing Students for PR
Data from the first half of 2025 shows a marked change in the source of Canada’s new permanent residents:
| Pathway | 2024 (full year) | 2025 (Jan–Jun) |
| Former study permit holders | 25,580 | 11,175 |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | 12,800 | 7,495 |
| International Mobility Program (IMP) | 147,300 | 77,775 |
While all categories are lower at the halfway point due to annual pacing, a deeper look reveals that study permit holders are increasingly squeezed. Their share of total transitions is shrinking, and the decline is sharper than for former work permit holders.
This reflects both tighter study permit approval rates and new limits on the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which no longer automatically leads to permanent residence opportunities.
Express Entry Focuses on Work Experience, Not Study
This policy shift is especially visible in the 2025 Express Entry draw history. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – which favours those with Canadian work experience – has returned to prominence after being largely sidelined in recent years.
2025 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draws
| Draw # | Date | Invitations | CRS Score |
| 2 | Jan 8 | 1,350 | 542 |
| 3 | Jan 23 | 4,000 | 527 |
| 5 | Feb 5 | 4,000 | 521 |
| 17 | May 13 | 500 | 547 |
| 21 | Jun 12 | 3,000 | 529 |
| 23 | Jun 26 | 3,000 | 521 |
| 25 | Jul 8 | 3,000 | 518 |
| 29 | Aug 7 | 1,000 | 534 |
| 34 | Sep 3 | 1,000 | 534 |
These repeated CEC draws with relatively moderate CRS scores show IRCC’s clear intention to reward work experience gained inside Canada. In contrast, no draws have specifically targeted former international students, and many PGWP holders are finding themselves ineligible or uncompetitive under new rules.
Decline in PGWP Value
Until recently, the PGWP was one of Canada’s most generous immigration pathways, allowing most graduates of eligible programs to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. However, in 2024 and 2025, IRCC has introduced new restrictions, including:
- Tighter eligibility criteria for PGWPs based on program type and institution.
- Limits on extensions, especially for those who cannot transition to permanent residence quickly.
- Reduced impact of a PGWP on Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
The result is a tougher path to PR for international students, even those with Canadian work experience.
More Recognition for Foreign Workers
At the same time, both the TFWP and IMP have produced stronger PR numbers. This is no coincidence. Workers under these streams often have job offers, high-demand skills, and employer support – all of which are increasingly rewarded under IRCC’s new strategy.
While the IMP continues to be the largest contributor of new PRs (over 77,000 in the first half of 2025), it includes many pathways that do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), such as:
- Intra-company transfers
- CUSMA professionals
- Francophone mobility workers
- Youth mobility (IEC) participants
This group benefits from employer demand and occupation targeting without the hurdles faced by study permit holders.
A Strategic Pivot Towards Economic Integration
Canada’s policy changes indicate a strategic pivot: IRCC is moving away from a volume-driven model focused on students, and toward a labour market-driven model focused on job-ready candidates with proven Canadian work experience.
The growing share of CEC-specific draws and provincial nominee program (PNP) draws tied to employer needs highlights this shift. Provincial programs have also begun to tighten eligibility for PGWP holders unless their field of study directly aligns with labour market needs.
What This Means for Future Immigrants
- Foreign workers: Your chances of becoming a permanent resident are improving, especially if you work in a high-demand sector or have support from a Canadian employer.
- International students: The path to PR is now more competitive. You’ll need to be strategic – choose in-demand programs, gain meaningful work experience during your PGWP, and apply quickly.
- Employers: With a renewed focus on Canadian experience and job offers, your role in helping workers transition to PR is more important than ever.
FAQ
Why are fewer international students getting permanent residence in 2025?
Canada has tightened eligibility for study permits and the PGWP, and is favouring Canadian work experience over education alone when selecting new permanent residents.
What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
CEC is an Express Entry program for skilled workers with recent Canadian work experience. It’s become more prominent again in 2025, with multiple draws and moderate CRS scores.
Has the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) changed?
Yes. New rules limit eligibility based on program type and institution, and make it harder to use a PGWP as a direct route to permanent residence.
Are temporary foreign workers more likely to get PR in 2025?
Yes. Both TFWP and IMP workers are increasingly securing PR, especially those with in-demand skills or employer support. CEC draws are also favouring Canadian work experience.
What should new immigrants do to increase their chances of PR?
Focus on gaining Canadian work experience in a high-demand field, ensure you meet Express Entry eligibility, and consider PNP or employer-driven options to boost your chances.
