Latest updates on temporary residence policy for studying in Canada 2024: Stricter regulations
Published on September 30, 2024
The recent changes are seen as the government’s effort to protect the integrity of the immigration system and ensure the domestic labor market develops sustainably.
Why is Canada changing its temporary residence policy?
Canada has long been known for its open tradition, always welcoming people from around the world. New immigrants not only contribute to economic growth but also enrich the country’s culture and society. In response to labor shortages and the lingering effects of the pandemic, the Canadian government has implemented various measures to address the urgent needs of businesses and support the economic recovery. As a result, Canada’s economy has made significant progress, but this also requires continuous adjustments to the immigration system to face new challenges, including the labor market’s decline.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Immigration announced plans to reduce the number of temporary residents, from 6.5% of the population to 5% by 2026. To achieve this goal, the government is taking strict control over the number of temporary immigrants and holding businesses that abuse the system accountable. Programs like the international student program are being tightened, requiring temporary foreign workers to meet stricter conditions, while regulations for employer compliance and labor market impact assessments are becoming more rigorous to prevent fraud.
To ensure that immigrants in Canada receive the necessary support, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced additional new measures. These measures not only help better manage the number of temporary residents but also ensure the transparency of the immigration system, while protecting vulnerable groups during this process.
The announcement to continue reducing study permit limits for international students in 2025 is based on a 10% decrease to 437,000 permits compared to the 2024 target of 485,000 new study permits issued. Afterward, the intake limit for 2026 will remain the same as in 2025.
What changes are there in Canada’s study-immigration policies? Graduates from public
- Graduates from public college programs will still be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to three years if they graduate in a field related to long-term labor shortages (a specific list has not yet been published).
- For the PGWP program, all applicants will be required to demonstrate minimum language proficiency in either French or English. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates will be required for those applying on or after November 1, 2024.
- The study permit intake limits for 2025–2026 will include master’s and PhD students, who will also need a Provincial Acknowledgment Letter (PAL) to apply for a visa. The Canadian Immigration Department announced that approximately 12% of the allocation will be reserved for these students. Additionally, by the end of this year, the spouses of master’s students in programs lasting at least 16 months will be eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit.
- Restrictions on work permits will be imposed by the end of this year if the spouse of a foreign worker is not employed in managerial, highly skilled, or labor-shortage sectors in Canada.
Conclusion
Canada is undergoing significant adjustments to its immigration system to ensure economic sustainability and meet the real needs of the labor market. With changes in study permit limits, language requirements, and temporary labor policies, those planning to study and work in Canada in the future need to stay updated and prepare thoroughly. Although these changes may present challenges, they also open opportunities for those who meet the requirements to take advantage of the benefits Canada offers.
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