Strengthening Temporary Residence Programs in Canada
Canada is taking significant steps to reform its immigration system in response to ongoing labour shortages and the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government aims to decrease the number of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of the total population by 2026. This initiative includes several key measures designed to manage the flow of temporary residents and uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration programs.
Key Initiatives:
- Reduction in International Student Study Permits:
- For 2025, Canada will implement a 10% reduction in the target for new study permits, lowering the expected issuance from 485,000 to 437,000. This reduction is aimed at stabilizing numbers and ensuring that international students can be adequately supported.
- For 2025, Canada will implement a 10% reduction in the target for new study permits, lowering the expected issuance from 485,000 to 437,000. This reduction is aimed at stabilizing numbers and ensuring that international students can be adequately supported.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Updates:
- The government plans to update this program to better align it with current immigration goals and the needs of the labour market.
- The government plans to update this program to better align it with current immigration goals and the needs of the labour market.
- Work Permit Eligibility Changes:
- Eligibility for work permits will be restricted for spouses of master’s degree students, allowing only those enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months.
- Spouses of foreign workers will also face new limitations, with work permits available only for those in management roles or sectors experiencing labour shortages.
- Eligibility for work permits will be restricted for spouses of master’s degree students, allowing only those enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months.
Addressing Asylum Claims:
As the global number of displaced individuals rises, Canada is experiencing an increase in asylum claims. In response, the government is implementing measures to strengthen the integrity of the asylum system, including:
- Partial Visa Requirements: Introducing partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals to better manage temporary resident volumes.
- Improved Claims Processing: Enhancing processes to ensure fairness while maintaining the integrity of the system.
- Fraud Detection: Reviewing visa decision-making to equip officers with better tools for detecting fraud, thereby reducing non-genuine visits.
Commitment to Integrity and Growth:
These measures are part of a broader strategy to listen to the concerns of Canadians and work closely with provincial, territorial, and municipal partners. The government emphasizes the importance of protecting the integrity of Canada’s immigration system while responsibly growing the country’s population.
Overall, these reforms aim to create a balanced immigration system that meets the needs of the economy and society while addressing humanitarian obligations. By taking these steps, Canada seeks to adapt to a changing environment and continue to be a welcoming nation for newcomers.
These initiatives aim to prioritize Canadian workers while ensuring that newcomers can successfully integrate into Canadian society and contribute to the economy. For more information, please contact us.
