Canada’s Record High Refusal Rates for Temporary Residents in 2024: What It Means for Applicants

Canada’s Record High Refusal Rates for Temporary Residents in 2024: What It Means for Applicants

According to a recent report by the Toronto Star, Canada saw an unprecedented number of temporary resident application refusals in 2024. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rejected 2,359,157 applications—50 per cent of the total received—marking a significant increase from the 35 per cent refusal rate in 2023. This data covers study permits, work permits, and visitor visas, with the overall refusal rate reaching its highest level since 2019.

Breakdown of Refusal Rates by Category

Among the different types of temporary resident applications:

• Visitor visas had the highest refusal rate, with 1.95 million applications (54%) denied, up from 40 per cent in 2023.
• Study permits saw 290,317 refusals (52%), an increase from 38 per cent the previous year.
• Work permit refusals slightly decreased to 115,549 (22%), compared to 23 per cent in 2023.

Government Policies and the Impact on Immigration

The surge in refusals aligns with the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada. Under increasing public pressure over the housing crisis and rising cost of living, Ottawa has implemented stricter policies to limit new arrivals. In addition to tightening temporary resident admissions, Canada has also reduced its permanent resident targets by 20 per cent over the next three years:

• 395,000 permanent residents in 2025
• 380,000 in 2026
• 365,000 in 2027

The government has also shifted its focus toward ensuring that individuals already in Canada transition through eligible immigration pathways or leave upon their status expiry. However, The Star notes that while new entries are being restricted, data suggests that many temporary residents are seeking extensions to remain legally in Canada.

Rise in Visitor Record Applications

Individuals whose temporary status is expiring can apply for a visitor record, which allows them to stay in Canada legally but does not grant them permission to work or study. The number of visitor record applications doubled from 196,965 in 2019 to 389,254 in 2024, with a refusal rate of around five per cent. In 2024 alone, 321,277 applications were approved, demonstrating that many temporary residents are opting to extend their stay despite the tightening policies.

Ekaterina Neouimina, a founding member of the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association, pointed out to The Star that while she expected higher refusals for new applications, she found it surprising that visitor record approvals remained steady.

What This Means for Temporary Residents

The increasing rejection rates signal that Canada is becoming more selective about temporary residents. Those applying for visitor visas, work permits, or study permits should ensure their applications are well-prepared and meet all eligibility criteria to avoid refusal. Additionally, those looking to extend their stay in Canada through a visitor record should be mindful of its limitations—it does not grant the ability to work or study, making it a short-term solution rather than a pathway to permanent residency.

At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we are committed to helping applicants navigate these evolving immigration policies. If you are facing challenges with your application or need guidance on maintaining your status in Canada, our team can assist you in exploring all available options to strengthen your case.

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