Canada is undertaking significant immigration reforms aimed at reducing the number of temporary residents to 5% of the population by 2027. Following the 2023 launch of the Tech Talent Strategy, designed to attract skilled workers in the tech industry, Immigration Minister Marc Miller highlighted that by the end of 2023, temporary residents in Canada had reached approximately 2.5 million, accounting for 6.2% of the population. Reducing Temporary Residents
To address challenges, Canada has introduced stringent measures, including limitations on non-graduate international student visas due to concerns over institutional integrity and support for students. Additionally, new visa requirements have been imposed on Mexican visitors to curtail unqualified asylum claims. Reducing Temporary Residents
International Students
Starting January 2024, Canada will temporarily cap new international student visas at 360,000 for the next two years, marking a 35% reduction from the previous year. Excluded from this cap are students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, along with those in elementary and secondary education. The Ministry of Immigration plans to review and adjust visa allocations for 2025 to ensure program integrity and sustained growth in strategic fields. Despite these changes, Canada remains committed to attracting skilled international students, particularly in advanced programs, emphasizing pathways to permanent residency and workforce integration. Canada Reducing Temporary Residents
Post-Graduation Work Permits
Graduate students completing a master’s degree from Canadian institutions will benefit from an extended three-year work permit. However, post-graduation work permits for international students at private institutions will be restricted starting September 1, 2024. This decision aims to address concerns about educational quality and the surge in enrollments at non-accredited institutions.
Asylum Seekers
In response to escalating asylum claims, primarily from Mexican nationals, Canada has revised its electronic travel authorization (Eta) policies. Effective February 29, 2024, many Mexican travelers will require a visitor visa instead of an eTA. Exceptions include those traveling by air for stays under six months or holding a valid Canadian visitor visa from the past decade, or a current U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
Further Reviews and Plans
The Ministry of Immigration continues to review existing programs to align with market demands and mitigate system exploitation. Detailed updates on Canada’s immigration strategies impacting temporary residents are anticipated with the Fall 2024 release of the Immigration Levels Plan.
FAQ: Canada’s New Immigration Policies to Reduce Temporary Residents
What are Canada’s goals with its new immigration policies?
Canada aims to decrease the population of temporary residents to 5% of the total by 2027 through strategic immigration reforms.
Why did Canada implement the Tech Talent Strategy in 2023?
The Tech Talent Strategy aims to attract skilled workers in the tech industry through expanded immigration programs.
How many temporary residents were in Canada by the end of 2023?
Approximately 2.5 million temporary residents were in Canada, constituting about 6.2% of the population.
What limitations have been placed on non-graduate international student visas?
New limitations address integrity concerns in institutions that enroll international students primarily for revenue without ensuring adequate support.
How many new international student visas will Canada issue in 2024?
Canada will cap new international student visas at 360,000 for 2024, a 35% decrease from the previous year.
Who is exempt from the cap on international student visas?
Students pursuing master’s, doctoral degrees, and elementary or secondary education are exempt from the cap.
What changes are there for post-graduation work permits for international students?
Graduate students with a master’s degree from Canadian institutions may receive a three-year work permit, but restrictions will apply to students from certain private institutions starting September 1, 2024.
Why are post-graduation work permits being restricted for some international students?
Concerns about educational quality and the rapid increase in enrollment at non-accredited institutions led to these restrictions.
What prompted Canada to impose new visa requirements on Mexican visitors?
Canada responded to a surge in asylum claims by Mexican nationals, aiming to curtail unfounded claims through stricter visa policies.
How many asylum claims in Canada were made by Mexican citizens in 2023?
Mexican citizens accounted for 17% of all new asylum claims in Canada in 2023.
What percentage of asylum claims by Mexican nationals were rejected, withdrawn, or abandoned?
Approximately 60% of asylum claims by Mexican nationals in Canada were rejected, withdrawn, or abandoned.
Who can still qualify for electronic travel authorization (Eta) to Canada among Mexican nationals?
Mexican nationals traveling by air, intending to stay less than six months, or holding a valid Canadian visitor visa from the past decade, or a current U.S. nonimmigrant visa may qualify for Eta.
How can Mexican nationals traveling by land or sea enter Canada?
They must apply for a physical visa stamp through a Canadian consulate or embassy before travel.
What is Canada doing to further review its immigration programs?
The Ministry of Immigration is conducting ongoing reviews to align programs with market needs and prevent system abuse.
When can we expect updates on Canada’s immigration policies impacting temporary residents?
Detailed updates are anticipated with the Fall 2024 release of Canada’s annual Immigration Levels Plan.
Disclaimer: This article is based on current information and is intended for informational purposes only. For the latest updates, please visit the official Canadian government website.
Source: www.mondaq.com
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Also read:
- Understanding Canada’s New Rules: Ending ‘Flagpoling’ for Post-Graduation Work Permits
- Comprehensive Guide to Finding Part-Time Jobs in Canada
- New Canadian Policy on Post-Graduation Work Permits: What International Students Need to Know
- How Canada’s Healthcare System Relies on Temporary Workers and Immigration
- Navigating Australia’s Updated Student Visa Regulations: What You Need to Know