Ottawa, Jun 26 (V7N)- Canada is facing growing uncertainty over its immigration system as the number of temporary residents—including foreign workers, international students, and other visa holders—far exceeds the country's permanent resident intake target for 2026. The situation has left the future of nearly 2.9 million temporary residents, including many Bangladeshis, in question.
This year, the Canadian government has set a target of admitting 380,000 new permanent residents. As a result, many temporary residents may find it increasingly difficult to transition to permanent residency.
Those holding Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) are expected to be among the hardest hit. Many of them, along with their family members, have spent years working in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, and food services, contributing significantly to Canada's economy.
Temporary residents now account for a substantial share of Canada's population, with South Asians making up a large portion of this group. Bangladeshi students and workers are also among those facing uncertainty over their future immigration status.
Another concern is the expiry of a temporary public policy that allows certain work permit holders to study without obtaining a separate study permit. The measure is scheduled to end on June 27, 2026, adding to concerns among temporary residents whose work permits are nearing expiration.
Since taking office, Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced a series of policies aimed at strengthening Canada's economy and managing population growth through changes to immigration targets.
Immigration analysts say the government's strategy is intended to reduce the number of temporary residents and bring immigration levels to a more sustainable level. However, the policy has created uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of workers and students hoping to build long-term lives in Canada, including many members of the Bangladeshi community.
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