Canada is set to significantly reduce the number of temporary residents, including international students and temporary foreign workers, in the coming months. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that a comprehensive update to the country's immigration policy will be released within the next two to three weeks. This policy shift aims to address concerns over housing shortages, strained public services, and rising public sentiment regarding immigration levels.
Key Policy Changes Expected
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International Students: The government plans to decrease the number of international student permits issued in 2025 to 437,000, marking a 10% reduction from 2024. This is the second consecutive year of such reductions, following record numbers in recent years that have exacerbated housing shortages. Applicants will now require a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter to ensure compliance with federal caps, a requirement newly extended to master's and post-doctoral students this year.
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Temporary Foreign Workers: The federal government will shrink the number of temporary foreign workers that employers can legally hire in certain sectors over the next three years. This move aims to encourage businesses to prioritize hiring Canadians and address concerns about over-reliance on foreign labor.
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Spousal Work Permits: Proposed changes to spousal work permits will impact Canadian employers. The announcement includes Ottawa's intent to further reduce international study permits for 2025 by an additional 10% from the 2024 target. Changes to eligibility for post-graduate work permits were also announced. Additionally, the federal government plans to limit work permit eligibility to spouses of Master's students whose program is 16 months or more in duration.
Implications for Canada’s Immigration Landscape
These policy changes represent a significant shift in Canada's approach to immigration, moving from a historically open stance to a more restrictive one. The government emphasizes the need to balance immigration with the country's capacity to provide housing, healthcare, and other essential services. However, these measures have raised concerns among industry groups and advocates who warn of potential labor shortages and negative impacts on Canada's international reputation.
As the federal government prepares to release the updated immigration plan, stakeholders across various sectors are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating further details on how these changes will be implemented and their broader implications for Canada's economy and society.