In response to the changing demands of Canada’s immigration system, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced key new actions to manage the growing number of temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers.
These steps are part of a larger plan to tackle labour shortages, protect the asylum system, and ensure temporary residents receive adequate support during their time in Canada.
Important Actions Highlighted in the Announcement
The new measures, including adjustments to study permits for international students and work permit eligibility, address Canada’s increasing difficulties in managing temporary residents.
Minister Miller, alongside the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, introduced these actions to maintain the sustainability of immigration programs while prioritizing Canadian workers.
1) Decrease in Study Permit Approvals for 2025
One of the most significant updates is the decrease in the intake limit for international student study permits, set to begin in 2025.
The government has announced a 10% cut from the 2024 target of 485,000 study permits, reducing the 2025 number to 437,000.
This change addresses concerns about the rising number of international students in Canada and the pressure it may place on housing and public resources.
For 2026, the intake cap will remain at the 2025 level, maintaining a steady number of new study permits issued.
This reduction aims to ensure that international students receive sufficient support as they pursue their education and employment opportunities in Canada.
2) Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program
Another major update involves changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, which allows international students to work in Canada after finishing their studies.
Starting in November 2024, new language proficiency standards will be required for PGWP applicants. University graduates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7, while college graduates will need a CLB level of 5.
These changes aim to enhance international graduates’ ability to integrate into the Canadian workforce and transition to permanent residency.
Furthermore, only graduates from programs linked to occupations facing long-term shortages will qualify for a PGWP of up to three years, aligning the program more closely with Canada’s labour market demands and immigration objectives.
3) Adjustments to Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses of International Students and Workers
To better manage the influx of temporary residents, the Canadian government is implementing new restrictions on work permits for the spouses of international students and foreign workers.
Starting later this year, work permits will only be available to the spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months.
Moreover, under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP), work permits will be restricted to the spouses of foreign workers employed in management or professional roles, or in industries experiencing labour shortages.
These updates aim to prioritize Canadian workers while ensuring that foreign workers fill crucial positions in sectors facing significant shortages.
Managing the Increasing Number of Asylum Claims
In addition to handling the number of international students and foreign workers, the Canadian government is also working to improve the asylum system.
The rise in global displacement has increased asylum claims in Canada, putting more pressure on the country’s immigration system.
To tackle these challenges, the government has introduced several new measures:
- Partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals: This change aims to control the number of non-genuine visitors and manage temporary resident admissions better.
- Faster claims processing: Starting in 2024, the government will speed up the processing of asylum claims while ensuring the process remains fair and thorough.
- Review of visa decisions: The government will update how visa decisions are made to help officers spot fraud and cut down on fake applications.
These changes are designed to keep Canada’s asylum system effective while managing the number of temporary residents.
A Comprehensive Immigration Strategy for Sustainable Growth
he Canadian government’s recent measures for managing temporary residents are part of a broader, all-encompassing immigration strategy.
Minister Miller highlighted that while Canada remains dedicated to welcoming newcomers, it is crucial to uphold the integrity and sustainability of the immigration system.
Minister Miller Stated ,“The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to—just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to,”.
“We are taking action to strengthen our temporary residence programs and roll out a more comprehensive immigration plan to meet the demands of today’s changing landscape.”
Minister Boissonnault supported this view, explaining that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) was initially created to address labor shortages when qualified Canadians were not available.
Now, with more Canadians capable of filling these positions, the government is focusing on Canadian workers by restricting work permits to foreign workers only in sectors with real shortages.
Additionally, the government will implement further measures to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain the integrity of immigration programs.
These measures will include preventing the exploitation of international students and foreign workers and ensuring that only those who meet the required qualifications receive temporary status in Canada.
Budget 2024: Financial Support for Enhancing the Asylum System
As part of its continued efforts to improve Canada’s immigration and asylum systems, Budget 2024 proposes $743.5 million over five years, beginning in 2024–2025, with an additional $159.5 million annually.
This funding is intended to strengthen the stability and integrity of the asylum system, allowing Canada to uphold its humanitarian responsibilities while effectively managing its borders.
Conclusion
The recent changes announced by the Canadian government, including the reduction in international student study permits and new restrictions on work permit eligibility, underscore the need for a sustainable immigration system that supports the country’s economic objectives.
While Canada remains dedicated to welcoming newcomers, these measures are designed to ensure the immigration system functions with both integrity and efficiency.
As the government continues to refine its immigration policies, these updates represent a proactive approach to managing temporary residents and aiding vulnerable populations.
For additional details on these measures, further information will be available on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
