In response to evolving economic pressures and a shifting labour market, Canada has announced important reforms to its temporary residence programs. The government, under the leadership of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, is taking decisive steps to reduce the volume of temporary residents while ensuring that those who come to Canada are better supported and equipped for success.
The goal is clear: reduce the number of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of the total population by 2026. This reduction will help balance Canada’s economic needs with the ability to adequately support new arrivals, addressing both labour market demands and ensuring the sustainability of the immigration system.
Here are the key changes that will take effect in the coming years:
Starting in 2025, the number of study permits issued will decrease by 10% from the 2024 target, bringing the number down to 437,000. This cap will remain in place for 2026 to stabilize the influx of international students.
Graduates from public colleges will continue to be eligible for a PGWP of up to three years, provided their field of study is tied to long-term labour shortages. From November 1, 2024, applicants for the PGWP must meet minimum language proficiency requirements, with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 required for university graduates and CLB level 5 for college graduates.
Changes to the work permit eligibility rules will limit access to spouses of master’s students whose programs are at least 16 months long. Additionally, spouses of foreign workers will only be eligible for permits if their partner works in management, professional roles, or sectors facing labour shortages.
In addition to addressing labour market needs, these reforms aim to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s asylum system:
To address growing volumes of asylum claims and prevent fraud, Canada is implementing a partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals and enhancing the processing of asylum claims while maintaining fairness. The visa decision-making process is also under review to improve fraud detection and reduce the number of non-genuine visitors.
Canada’s commitment to a robust and sustainable immigration system is underscored by the allocation of $743.5 million over five years starting in 2024 to support the stability and integrity of the asylum system. These measures, combined with the broader reforms to temporary residence programs, will ensure that Canada continues to meet its economic needs while protecting vulnerable individuals and preserving the integrity of its immigration processes.
As Canada moves forward with these changes, the government remains focused on balancing its humanitarian obligations with practical economic realities, ensuring the immigration system remains fair, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the country.
The goal is clear: reduce the number of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of the total population by 2026. This reduction will help balance Canada’s economic needs with the ability to adequately support new arrivals, addressing both labour market demands and ensuring the sustainability of the immigration system.
Here are the key changes that will take effect in the coming years:
- Lowering the Study Permit Cap:
Starting in 2025, the number of study permits issued will decrease by 10% from the 2024 target, bringing the number down to 437,000. This cap will remain in place for 2026 to stabilize the influx of international students.
- Reforming the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program:
Graduates from public colleges will continue to be eligible for a PGWP of up to three years, provided their field of study is tied to long-term labour shortages. From November 1, 2024, applicants for the PGWP must meet minimum language proficiency requirements, with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 required for university graduates and CLB level 5 for college graduates.
- Restricting Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses:
Changes to the work permit eligibility rules will limit access to spouses of master’s students whose programs are at least 16 months long. Additionally, spouses of foreign workers will only be eligible for permits if their partner works in management, professional roles, or sectors facing labour shortages.
In addition to addressing labour market needs, these reforms aim to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s asylum system:
- Strengthening Visa and Asylum Systems:
To address growing volumes of asylum claims and prevent fraud, Canada is implementing a partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals and enhancing the processing of asylum claims while maintaining fairness. The visa decision-making process is also under review to improve fraud detection and reduce the number of non-genuine visitors.
Canada’s commitment to a robust and sustainable immigration system is underscored by the allocation of $743.5 million over five years starting in 2024 to support the stability and integrity of the asylum system. These measures, combined with the broader reforms to temporary residence programs, will ensure that Canada continues to meet its economic needs while protecting vulnerable individuals and preserving the integrity of its immigration processes.
As Canada moves forward with these changes, the government remains focused on balancing its humanitarian obligations with practical economic realities, ensuring the immigration system remains fair, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the country.
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