The Canadian government has just issued a press release announcing significant changes to its temporary residence programmes, aiming to ensure sustainability and meet the country’s evolving needs. The goal is to strike a balance between welcoming newcomers and protecting the integrity of the immigration system.
Key Changes:
International Student Study Permits: Capped at 437,000 for 2025, a 10% reduction from the previous target.
Stricter Work Permit Eligibility: Spouses of master’s degree students must have programmes lasting at least 16 months to be eligible.
Labour Market Focus: Prioritising Canadian workers and ensuring temporary foreign workers fill labour shortages in specific sectors.
Strengthening Visa Integrity:
Background:
Canada’s temporary resident population stands at approximately 2.5 million, making up about 6.2% of the overall population. To address concerns around affordability, housing, and labour market needs, Immigration Minister Marc Miller aims to reduce this proportion to 5% by 2027. This move is expected to have a mild impact on Canada’s unemployment rate and inflation pressures.
Impact on Immigrants:
Quotes
“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. Our immigration system must preserve its integrity, and be well managed and sustainable. And as we look forward, we will do everything it takes to achieve that goal and set newcomers up for success.”
– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“The Temporary Foreign Worker Program was designed to address labour market shortages when qualified Canadians were not able to fill those roles. Right now, we know that there are more Canadians qualified to fill open positions. The changes we are making today will prioritize Canadian workers and ensures Canadians can trust the program is meeting the needs of our economy.”
– The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
Quick facts
- The proposed reduction of temporary residents from 6.5% of Canada’s total population to 5% will be reflected in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which will be released by November 1, 2024.
- Graduates from programs at public colleges will remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to three years if they graduate from a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage.
- As part of changes to the PGWP Program, all applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English. This will increase their ability to transition to permanent residence and adapt to changing economic conditions. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates will be required for anyone applying for a post-graduation work permit on or after November 1, 2024.
- The 2025–2026 study permit intake cap will include master’s and doctoral students who will now have to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter. We will be reserving approximately 12% of allocation spaces for these students in recognition of the benefits they bring to the Canadian labour market.
- On January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants was updated to better reflect the true cost of living in Canada and help prevent student vulnerability and exploitation.
- Budget 2024 proposes $743.5 million over 5 years, starting in 2024–2025, and $159.5 million ongoing to support the stability and integrity of Canada’s asylum system.
- Further information on the measures announced today will be available on our website in the near future.
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