In a significant move to address evolving economic and social needs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a series of reforms aimed at managing the volume of temporary residents and enhancing the integrity of Canada's immigration system
Key Changes and Implications
1.Reduction in Temporary Resident Intake
To address the growing volume of temporary residents and align with economic realities, the Canadian government has set a target to reduce the proportion of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of the total population by 2026.
This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to manage the impact of temporary residents on the Canadian labor market and public services.
2. Reforming the International Student Program
One of the key areas of reform is the International Student Program. The government has announced a 10% reduction in the intake cap for new study permits in 2025, bringing the total to 437,000 from the 2024 target of 485,000
This reduction aims to stabilize the number of international students and ensure that Canada's educational institutions can support these students effectively.
For 2026, the intake cap will remain at the 2025 level to provide consistency and allow for better planning.
3. Strengthening the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program
This fall, the PGWP Program will be updated to better align with immigration goals and labor market needs.
Starting November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English. University graduates will require a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7, while college graduates will need CLB 5.
Graduates from public colleges will remain eligible for a PGWP of up to three years if their field of study is linked to long-term shortage occupations.
4. Changes to Work Permit Eligibility
Limiting Work Permits for Spouses of Master’s Degree Students: Later this year, work permit eligibility will be restricted to spouses of master’s degree students only if the program is at least 16 months long.
Restricting Work Permits for Spouses of Foreign Workers: Work permit eligibility will also be limited for spouses of foreign workers to those employed in management or professional occupations or sectors experiencing labor shortages, under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP).
5. Strengthening the Asylum System
Canada is also addressing increased asylum claims resulting from global displacement. The government is implementing several measures to enhance the integrity of the asylum system, including:
Introducing partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals to manage asylum claims more effectively.
Improving the claims processing system to ensure fairness while maintaining system integrity.
Reviewing visa decision-making processes to better detect fraud and reduce non-genuine applications.
Take Note:
The new measures outlined today reflect a proactive approach to managing temporary residence volumes and ensuring the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. As the country continues to navigate economic and social changes, these reforms will play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced and sustainable immigration framework.
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If you've been keeping up with Canadian immigration in 2024, you've likely noticed the rapid and significant changes. Now is not the time to take risks with your immigration plans. It's crucial to consult with an expert, stay informed about each update, and understand how it affects your journey.
Contact us or Book a consultation with one of our licensed immigration professionals who can provide personalized advice based on your situation.