September 2024 Changes for All Canadian Temporary Residents
For those seeking to ensure their own and their loved ones’ socioeconomic security, Canada has consistently been a preferred destination. Recent announcements highlighted in the IRCC News release on September 18, 2024 and reported by Global News last Wednesday by Immigration Minister Marc Miller and Labour Minister Randy Boissonnault, have further emphasized the country’s evolving immigration policies. These changes are part of ongoing efforts to balance immigration needs with economic growth and labor market demands.
- The number of temporary residents in Canada will be reduced from 6.5 percent of the total population to five per cent which will be reflected in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan and will be released by November 1, 2024.
- For the year 2025, Canada plans to issue a total of 437,000 study permits which is 10% lower than the last year.
- Restrictions has been implemented on the work permit eligibility, later this year, to spouses of master’s degree students to only those whose program is at least 16 months in duration
- Later this year, spouses of foreign workers in management or professional positions or in industries experiencing a labor shortage will only be eligible for work permits under Canada’s work permit programs (TFWP and IMP).
- Graduates from public college programs are still eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for a maximum of three years if their field of study is associated with long-term shortage occupations.
- 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 chances of obtaining permanent residence.
- Anyone applying for a post-graduation work permit on or after November 1, 2024, must have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for university graduates and a CLB 5 for college graduates.
- The master’s and doctorate study permit intake for the Canadian Language Benchmark year 2025–2026 will now require the submission of a provincial or territorial attestation letter. Based on the contributions these students make to the Canadian job market, the government will reserve about 12% of the allocation spaces for them.
- In order to prevent the sense of vulnerability among students, on January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants was changed to better reflect the true cost of living in Canada.
In light of these upcoming changes to Canada’s immigration and temporary resident policies, the country continues to balance its commitment to attracting global talent with the need to manage its workforce and resources effectively. By reducing the temporary resident population, tightening work permit eligibility, and adjusting requirements for study and post-graduation permits, the government aims to align its immigration strategy with economic demands and labor market needs. These reforms, such as increasing language proficiency standards and revising cost-of-living requirements, are designed to enhance the integration of international students and workers into Canada’s workforce while ensuring sustainable growth. As these new measures take effect, they signal a shift towards a more targeted and economically-driven immigration system that will continue to shape Canada’s future.
If you have been affected by any of these changes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information and assistance. Understanding how these updates may impact your immigration status, study, or work eligibility is essential, and we are here to help guide you through the process.
