Canada has a rich tradition of welcoming newcomers who bolster the economy and add to its cultural fabric. With labor shortages and the aftermath of the pandemic, the federal government has acted swiftly to address business needs and economic recovery. As the economy evolves, so too must our immigration policies, especially in response to a softening labor market.
New Measures to Manage Temporary Residence Intake
Earlier this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a strategic reduction in temporary residents—from 6.5% of Canada’s total population to 5% by 2026. To achieve this objective, the government is adopting several measures:
- Reforming the International Student Program: Tightening eligibility requirements for temporary foreign workers and enforcing stricter employer compliance measures.
- Fraud Mitigation: Implementing rigorous labor market impact assessments.
Supporting Temporary Residents Adequately
Minister Marc Miller of IRCC today unveiled further measures aimed at managing temporary resident arrivals, ensuring our immigration system remains robust, and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Reductions in Study Permits
The government is announcing:
- A 10% reduction in international student study permits for 2025, lowering from the 2024 target of 485,000 new permits to 437,000 for 2025.
- Stabilizing the intake cap for study permits for 2026 at the same level as 2025.
Updates to Work Permit Eligibility
- Revising the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to better align with immigration objectives and labor market demands.
- Limiting work permit eligibility for spouses of master’s degree students whose programs are at least 16 months long.
- Restricting work permit eligibility to spouses of foreign workers in management roles or sectors experiencing labor shortages under TFWP (Temporary Foreign Worker Program) and IMP (International Mobility Program).
Addressing Asylum Claims and Integrity Issues
Canada faces an increase in asylum claims due to rising global displacement. To meet humanitarian responsibilities while managing temporary resident volumes:
- Partial Visa Requirements: Implementing partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals.
- Claims Processing Improvements: Enhanced processing times while maintaining fairness and integrity as announced in 2024.
These new measures reinforce Canada’s commitment to a sustainable immigration system that supports both economic needs and humanitarian responsibilities.
