In a bid to manage the rising number of temporary residents and ensure Canada’s immigration system remains fair and sustainable, the federal government has announced significant changes. These reforms are aimed at ensuring temporary residents, such as international students and foreign workers, can be better supported, while also protecting the integrity of the system. Here’s a breakdown of the latest measures announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and what they mean for you.
Why These Changes?
Canada has always welcomed newcomers from around the world, who help support the economy and enrich the country. However, the landscape has changed post-pandemic, and with labor shortages now easing, the government is adapting its immigration system. One of the main goals is to reduce the temporary resident population from 6.5% of the country’s total population to 5% by 2026. This means fewer temporary residents will be allowed into Canada moving forward.
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Key Reforms Announced
1. Reducing the Number of International Students
Canada is a top destination for students from around the world, but the government is capping the number of study permits it issues to ensure sustainable growth. Here’s what you need to know:
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- In 2025, the number of study permits will be reduced to 437,000 (a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000).
- After 2025, the number of study permits will remain stable. This means it may become harder to get a permit, so applying early and meeting all requirements will be crucial.
2. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes
The PGWP program allows international students to work in Canada after completing their studies. However, new rules are being introduced to better align the program with Canada’s economic needs:
- Starting in November 2024, all PGWP applicants must demonstrate language proficiency in either English or French:
- University graduates will need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7.
- College graduates will need a CLB level 5.
- If you graduate from a public college in a field with labor shortages (like healthcare or IT), you can still qualify for a PGWP of up to three years.
These changes are designed to ensure that international students who want to stay in Canada and work have the skills to integrate successfully into the labor market.
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3. Stricter Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses
In the past, spouses of international students and foreign workers were able to get open work permits, allowing them to work in Canada. However, the rules are being tightened to better control the number of temporary residents:
- Only spouses of master’s degree students in programs of at least 16 months will qualify for work permits.
- Spouses of foreign workers will only be eligible if the worker is in a management role or in a field with recognized labor shortages.
4. Reforming Canada’s Asylum System
With a growing number of asylum seekers worldwide, Canada is making adjustments to its asylum system to ensure it remains fair and efficient:
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- Canada will introduce partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals to reduce unfounded asylum claims.
- The government will invest in improving the asylum claim process, focusing on fraud detection to ensure only genuine claims are processed.
- Visa officers will be given more tools to help them detect fraud and spot non-genuine visitors.
These measures aim to maintain the integrity of Canada’s asylum system while meeting humanitarian responsibilities.
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What’s Next for Temporary Residents?
Canada’s immigration system is evolving to meet the country’s changing needs, and these new measures are part of that. For those hoping to come to Canada as temporary residents, whether as students or workers, the process may become more competitive, but opportunities still exist—especially for those with the right qualifications and skills.
It’s also important to note that Canada’s provinces and territories are working closely with the federal government to ensure that these changes are implemented smoothly. For example, master’s and doctoral students will now have to submit an attestation letter from their province or territory to confirm their program’s benefit to the labor market. About 12% of study permits will be reserved for these students, acknowledging their contribution to the economy.
Protecting Students from Exploitation
In another major move, the government has updated the cost-of-living requirements for international students. Starting January 1, 2024, students will need to prove that they have enough funds to cover the true cost of living in Canada. This is designed to prevent exploitation and ensure students can support themselves during their studies.
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Investing in the Asylum System
To ensure the system remains fair, the 2024 federal budget includes an investment of $743.5 million over five years to strengthen Canada’s asylum system. This money will help the government address growing asylum claims and protect vulnerable individuals who need Canada’s protection.
Looking Forward: A Sustainable Immigration System
Canada’s immigration system must balance the country’s needs with its ability to support newcomers. As Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller emphasized, “The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to.” These reforms are aimed at maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and ensuring it can meet the challenges of the future.
The changes to Canada’s temporary residence programs are aimed at ensuring the system remains sustainable, fair, and beneficial for both newcomers and the country. While the reforms may make it harder for some to come to Canada, they also open up new opportunities for those who are highly skilled or studying in in-demand fields. If you’re planning to apply for a study or work permit, it’s important to stay informed about these changes and prepare your application accordingly.
Canada will continue to welcome newcomers, but the process is becoming more selective. These changes aim to prioritize those who can contribute to the economy and fill labor shortages while ensuring that the country’s immigration system remains fair and well-managed.
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Disclaimer
Source : Strengthening temporary residence programs for sustainable volumes