In a significant announcement today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, outlined the Canadian government’s plans to revise its temporary residence programs in response to evolving economic conditions and labour market demands. These changes come against the backdrop of a noticeable softening in the labour market and an increasing number of asylum claims.
Canada has long prided itself on its welcoming stance towards newcomers, providing vital support to its economy and enriching its cultural landscape. However, to sustain this commitment while addressing emerging economic pressures, the government announced a strategic plan to reduce the proportion of temporary residents from the current 6.5% of Canada’s total population to 5% by 2026.
Key Measures Unveiled Include:
1. Reduction in International Student Study Permits:
– A 10% decrease in the intake cap for international student study permits will see the number issued drop to 437,000 in 2025 from the previous target of 485,000. The intake will stabilize thereafter for 2026.
– Master’s and doctoral students will now be required to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter as part of their application, emphasizing the value they bring to the Canadian workforce.
2. Updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program:
– All PGWP applicants will now need to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency, with the Canadian Language Benchmark set at level 7 for university graduates and level 5 for college graduates. This change, effective November 1, 2024, aims to enhance the ability of graduates to transition to permanent residency and adapt to evolving labor market needs.
3. Tighter Regulations for Temporary Foreign Workers:
– The eligibility for work permits will be restricted to spouses of master’s degree students only for those enrolled in programs lasting 16 months or longer. Additionally, spouses of foreign workers will be limited to those in management or professional roles and in sectors experiencing labour shortages.
4. Enhanced Asylum Process Management:
– To respond to the rising number of asylum claims, the government will be implementing partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals and reviewing processing efficiencies to maintain the integrity of the asylum system.
Minister Miller emphasized the importance of crafting a balanced approach that ensures Canada continues to attract skilled newcomers while prioritizing the needs of Canadian workers. “The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to,” he stated, reiterating the necessity of managing and strengthening the immigration system.
These measures are aimed at aligning temporary residence programs with the current needs of Canada’s economy, safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system, and protecting vulnerable populations. The full details of these updates will be included in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, set for release by November 1, 2024.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow developments from IRCC and the impact of these changes on prospective immigrants and the Canadian economy.