September 18, 2024 — Ottawa — In a bold move to adapt to shifting economic conditions, the Canadian government announced significant changes to its temporary residence programs. Aimed at ensuring sustainability and preserving the integrity of the immigration system, these measures will impact international students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
- Reduction in Study Permits: Canada will reduce the number of new study permits issued by 10% in 2025, bringing the total down to 437,000 from the 2024 target of 485,000. The intake cap for 2026 will stabilize at the 2025 level.
- Updated Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program: Starting November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must demonstrate minimum language proficiency—Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates.
- Limitations on Spousal Work Permits:
- Later this year, only spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs at least 16 months long will be eligible for work permits.
- Spousal work permit eligibility will be limited to spouses of foreign workers in management or professional occupations or in sectors facing labor shortages.
- Strengthening Asylum System Integrity:
- Implementing a partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals.
- Reviewing visa decision-making processes to reduce fraud and non-genuine visitors.
- Allocating $743.5 million over five years to support Canada’s asylum system.
Why These Changes Are Happening
Canada’s temporary resident population has surged to 6.5% of the total population. While this helped address labor shortages and pandemic recovery, the government aims to reduce this to 5% by 2026 to align with current economic needs and a softening labor market.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller stated:
“Our immigration system must preserve its integrity, and be well managed and sustainable. 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 of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault added:
“The changes we are making today will prioritize Canadian workers and ensure Canadians can trust the program is meeting the needs of our economy.”
Impact on International Students and Workers
- International Students:
- Graduates from public colleges in fields linked to long-term labor shortages remain eligible for PGWPs up to three years.
- Master’s and doctoral students will require a provincial or territorial attestation letter, with 12% of study permit allocations reserved for them.
- Temporary Foreign Workers:
- Tighter eligibility and stricter employer compliance to prevent misuse of the system.
- Work permits for spouses limited to specific occupations facing labor shortages.
Additional Measures
- Cost-of-Living Update: As of January 1, 2024, study permit applicants must meet updated financial requirements to reflect the true cost of living in Canada, reducing vulnerability and exploitation.
- Asylum System Improvements: Enhancements to processing while maintaining fairness and integrity, addressing the global increase in displaced people.
What This Means for Canada
- Economic Alignment: Adjusting immigration to meet current labor market needs, prioritizing Canadian workers for open positions.
- Program Integrity: Ensuring that temporary residence programs are not misused and that newcomers are set up for success.
- Sustainable Growth: Managing population growth responsibly to maintain Canada’s quality of life and social services.
Quick Facts
- Immigration Levels Plan: The reduction to 5% of the population will be reflected in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, to be released by November 1, 2024.
- Language Proficiency Requirements: New PGWP applicants must meet language benchmarks to improve integration and job market readiness.
- Financial Commitment: Budget 2024 proposes $743.5 million over five years to bolster the asylum system.
Looking Ahead
Further details on these measures will be available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website in the near future. The government emphasizes its commitment to listening to Canadians and working with partners at all levels to ensure the immigration system benefits everyone.
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