In 2024, Canada issued 1.6 million temporary visas, including study, work, and temporary resident permits (TRPs). Around 687,000 of these were new arrivals.
By the end of the year, 3 million people held a valid temporary status in Canada. Furthermore, these numbers also reveal major year-to-year changes and shifting immigration patterns.
| Key TRP Statistics in 2024 |
|---|
| 🢂 1.6 million temporary permits issued. 🢂 687,000 were new arrivals. 🢂 3 million people held a valid temporary status by year-end. 🢂 Study permit growth was controlled due to the new cap. 🢂 Work permit numbers dropped slightly but remained high. 🢂 Visitor entries were strong and increased. 🢂 TRP numbers rose for vulnerable populations. 🢂 The transition from temporary status to PR stayed high but decreased slightly. |
Below is a clear and brief breakdown of the statistics for 2024 and a comparison of each category.
1. Study Permit
Last year, Canada applied stricter controls on study permits, including a cap on new approvals. This changed the growth trend seen in previous years. In 2024:
- 516,275 total study permit holders in Canada
- 293,835 new study permits issued
Furthermore, 25,580 former students became permanent residents. On the other hand, in comparison, 2023 had stronger growth because there was no cap. Transition to PR stayed almost the same (only 0.1% difference).
2. Work Permit Statistics 2024
Work permits represent the biggest share of temporary residents. They are issued through two programs:
- TFWP (LMIA-based)
- IMP (LMIA-exempt)
In 2024, in total of 905,440 new work permits were issued with the following distribution:
- 191,630 under TFWP
- 717,405 under IMP
From all the above visa holders, 160,100 workers became permanent residents. This is a 2.3% decrease from 2023.
3. Visitor Statistics (TRVs & eTAs)
Visitors—tourists, family visitors, and short-term travellers—make up the largest volume of temporary entries in Canada. In 2024, the number of these visas issued reached 5,031,925.
Visitor numbers continue to grow compared to the post-pandemic recovery period. This further means that 2024 reached one of the highest totals in recent years. Tourism and family visits are increasing, helping Canada’s economy, especially in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
4. Canada’s TRP
TRPs (Temporary Resident Permits) are issued to people who are inadmissible or do not meet regular requirements but have a valid reason to enter or stay in Canada.
2024 TRP Breakdown
- 6,740 TRPs issued in total
- Special categories:
| Category | TRPs Issued | Notes |
| Victims of Human Trafficking | 130 | Included in the overall TRP total |
| Victims of Family Violence | 285 | Not included in the 6,740 total |
| Public Policy Exemptions | 95 | Allows entry despite inadmissibility |
Top 5 Source Countries of Citizenship for Temporary Resident Programs
| Top 5 Countries of Citizenship | Admissions | Percentage |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program | ||
| Mexico | 42,170 | 22.0% |
| India | 39,790 | 20.8% |
| Philippines | 22,435 | 11.7% |
| Guatemala | 20,910 | 10.9% |
| Jamaica | 10,090 | 5.3% |
| Total Top 5 Countries | 135,395 | 71.0% |
| International Mobility Program | ||
| India | 209,505 | 29.2% |
| Ukraine | 111,960 | 15.6% |
| Iran | 41,740 | 5.8% |
| Philippines | 36,120 | 5.0% |
| China, People’s Republic of | 26,285 | 3.7% |
| Total Top 5 Countries | 425,610 | 59.3% |
| Study Permit Program | ||
| India | 188,465 | 36.5% |
| China, People’s Republic of | 56,355 | 10.9% |
| Nigeria | 26,520 | 5.1% |
| Philippines | 24,730 | 4.8% |
| France | 13,750 | 2.7% |
| Total Top 5 Countries | 309,820 | 60.0% |
| Visitor Program | ||
| India | 576,419 | 11.5% |
| France | 528,485 | 10.5% |
| UK | 480,928 | 9.6% |
| Mexico | 372,609 | 7.4% |
| China, People’s Republic of | 289,283 | 5.8% |
| Total Top 5 Countries | 2,247,724 | 44.7% |
Compared with 2023, the TRP numbers have slightly increased due to improved policies for vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, the TRPs for family violence and trafficking survivors continue to rise as Canada strengthens protection programs. This altogether means that Canada is prioritising humanitarian cases and offering easier access to temporary protection for vulnerable people.