Can Temporary Foreign Workers and International Students Buy a Home in Canada? What Budget 2026 Changes
Yes, many can. The foreign buyer ban has always had exceptions: work permit holders with at least 183 days left on their permit can buy one home, and some international students, refugee claimants and protected persons can too. Budget 2026 (November 5, 2026) proposes to extend the ban on existing homes to January 1, 2029, but to exempt new residential properties, as reported. If that becomes law, temporary residents who don't meet the exceptions could still buy a newly built home. The details haven't been published yet.
What is the foreign buyer ban?
Since January 1, 2023, the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act has generally barred people who aren't Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians from buying residential property in Canada. It covers houses with up to three units and units such as condos and rowhouses in census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations, which include most cities and larger towns. Property outside those areas is not covered.
Breaking the ban can mean a fine of up to $10,000 and a court-ordered sale.
Who can buy now, as a temporary resident?
| You are… | You can buy if… |
|---|---|
| A work permit holder (or authorized to work without a permit) | Your permit has at least 183 days of validity left on the purchase date, and you haven't bought more than one residential property |
| An international student at a designated learning institution | You filed all required Canadian tax returns for the 5 years before the purchase year, were in Canada at least 244 days in each of those 5 years, the price is $500,000 or less, and you haven't bought more than one property |
| A refugee claimant | Your claim was found eligible and referred to the Refugee Protection Division |
| A protected person | You're exempt |
| Married to, or the common-law partner of, a citizen or PR | You buy together with your Canadian or PR spouse or partner |
Once you become a permanent resident, the ban no longer applies to you.
What Budget 2026 proposes
- Extend the ban on existing homes by two years, to January 1, 2029. The current ban is set to expire January 1, 2027.
- Exempt new residential properties from the ban, as reported. The goal is to support new construction.
These are proposals. The government hasn't yet published how "new" will be defined, when the exemption will start, or whether it needs new legislation or regulations. Until then, the current rules and exceptions apply.
What this could mean for you
| Your situation | Today | If the budget changes take effect |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit, 183+ days left | Can buy one existing or new home | Same as today |
| Work permit, under 183 days left | Can't buy, unless an exception applies | May be able to buy a new home |
| Student who doesn't meet the 5-year rules | Can't buy | May be able to buy a new home |
| Visitor | Can't buy | May be able to buy a new home |
Treat the last column as possible, not certain, until the government confirms the details.
Before you buy
- Check your permit's expiry date against your closing date, not just the offer date.
- Talk to a real estate lawyer about the ban, provincial rules and any foreign-buyer taxes in your province.
- Check mortgage rules: lenders often have their own requirements for non-residents and temporary residents.
- Keep your immigration status valid. Buying a home doesn't give you any immigration status.
Frequently asked questions
Can temporary foreign workers buy a house in Canada?
Yes, if their work permit or work authorization has at least 183 days of validity remaining on the purchase date and they haven't bought more than one residential property.
Can international students buy a house in Canada?
Only if they meet strict conditions: tax returns filed for the past 5 years, at least 244 days in Canada in each of those years, a price of $500,000 or less, and no more than one property.
Is the foreign buyer ban being extended?
Budget 2026 proposes extending the ban on existing homes to January 1, 2029, while exempting new residential properties, as reported. These changes aren't in force yet.
Can foreigners buy new homes in Canada?
Budget 2026 proposes to exempt new residential properties from the ban. Until the details are confirmed and in force, the current rules apply.
Does the foreign buyer ban apply to permanent residents?
No. Permanent residents and Canadian citizens are not affected.
Fact-checked: Based on the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act and its Regulations (SOR/2022-250) (current to October 19, 2026). Budget 2026 housing measures as reported by the National Post and Better Dwelling; see Budget 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; speak to a real estate lawyer before buying. Verified November 7, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
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