In the News

ISSofBC is often approached by international, national, and local media to feature in articles about policy, or to provide client stories and insights. We also pitch research and our major initiatives to the media. Here are some highlights from 2024–25:

We received over 30 requests from primarily BC-based media outlets including CBC Vancouver, Business in Vancouver, CKWX Radio, CBC Radio Canada, City News, Burnaby Now, as well as national outlets such the Globe and Mail,Macleans and 3 Magazine.

The most common requests we received related to:

Organizational reactions to announced immigration number reductions (see below) and subsequent reduction in funding.
Client stories and experiences with an emphasis on difficulties they face finding work and recredentialing.
Confirmation of increases of newcomers arriving in Canada since the election of President Donald Trump.

Top immigration stories for 2024-2025

Immigration featured heavily in the news, primarily due to the approximately 20 percent reduction in immigration numbers announced by the IRCC in the Fall of 2024:

Immigration Levels Plan 2025–27

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IRCC introduced a transitional plan reducing Permanent Resident targets to 395,000 in 2025 (from 500,000 in 2024) and implemented controlled Temporary Resident targets to manage pressure on housing and services.

Changes to Temporary Resident programs

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IRCC tightened visa eligibility, enhanced employer compliance, and reformed student/work permit rules—reducing student permit caps (to 437,000 in 2025 from 485,000 in 2024) and restricting spouse work permits.

10 per cent cut in student permits for 2025

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The number of study permits was capped at 437,000—10 per cent lower than 2024—to ease pressures on housing and services.

Temporary Resident population contraction

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In January 2025, Canada’s temporary resident population declined for the first time in years, with fewer work and study permit holders, contributing to slowing population growth.