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Canada has long been a beacon of opportunity, welcoming newcomers from around the globe. Our rich history of immigration has shaped the nation, fueling our economy and enhancing our diverse cultural fabric. However, as the global landscape shifts, so too must our approach to immigration. With a fluctuating labour market and the ongoing reverberations of the pandemic, the Canadian government is taking bold steps to reform temporary residency programs, ensuring they remain sustainable and effective.

Adapting to a Changing Economy

The post-pandemic world has transformed the Canadian economy. While initial efforts focused on addressing labour shortages and driving economic recovery, the landscape has evolved. Today, we face new challenges, including a cooling labour market. To adapt, the Government of Canada announced a strategic reduction in the intake of temporary residents—from 6.5% of the population to 5% by 2026. This change is not just about managing numbers; it’s about ensuring that Canada’s immigration system maintains its integrity and continues to serve the needs of both Canadians and newcomers.

Reforms to Temporary Resident Programs

At the heart of these reforms is a commitment to protect the integrity of our immigration system while also addressing labour market needs. Among the key changes announced by Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, are:

• A reduction in international student study permits: The intake cap will be lowered by 10% from 2024, stabilizing at 437,000 new study permits for 2025. This ensures that students coming to Canada are better supported during their stay.
• Tightening eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits: The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program will now align more closely with Canada’s labour market needs. Graduates from relevant programs linked to long-term job shortages will remain eligible for permits, but applicants must demonstrate English or French proficiency.
• Limiting work permit eligibility for spouses: Only spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs of at least 16 months, or those of foreign workers in management or high-demand sectors, will be eligible for work permits. This targeted approach ensures that temporary residency programs remain aligned with labour market realities.

Strengthening Asylum and Visa Integrity

In addition to reforms for temporary residents, the government is addressing the rise in asylum claims. Canada continues to honour its humanitarian commitments but has introduced new measures to prevent system abuse. These include:

• Partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals to ensure visa integrity.
• Improved claim processing for asylum seekers to maintain fairness and efficiency while safeguarding against fraud.

These changes, along with further measures under review, are designed to uphold the fairness and integrity of Canada’s immigration system.

A Sustainable Path Forward

The steps announced today reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to an immigration system that balances humanitarian obligations with economic realities. By reducing the number of temporary residents, tightening compliance, and reforming key programs, the government is creating a more sustainable immigration pathway.

As Marc Miller aptly noted, “Not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to—and not everyone who wants to stay will be able to either.” These reforms ensure that Canada’s doors remain open to those who can contribute to the nation’s future while protecting the system’s long-term viability.

As Canada continues to evolve, so must our immigration system. These thoughtful reforms aim to manage the complexities of the modern world while ensuring that newcomers and Canadians alike can thrive in the years to come.

Quick Facts

• The intake of temporary residents will drop from 6.5% of Canada’s population to 5% by 2026.
• Study permit caps for 2025 will reduce the intake to 437,000 students.
• The 2025–2026 intake cap will reserve 12% of spots for master’s and doctoral students, recognizing their contribution to the labour market.
• Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program will require minimum language proficiency starting November 1, 2024.