The Canadian government has announced a series of immigration reforms set to take effect in 2025 which will include a 10 percent reduction in international student permits and tighter regulations for foreign workers.
These reforms are aimed at safeguarding the immigration system while supporting the country’s economic recovery.
In 2025, the intake of study permits will drop from the 2024 target of 485,000 to 437,000.
This move reflects the government’s strategy to manage the growing number of temporary residents.
Nigerians and other nationalities are migrating in their large number to Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and other parts of the world in what is described as japa – migration.
With ‘japa,’ many have relocated their families to seek the proverbial greener pasture either through the work, education and other available options.
The number of permits is expected to remain at this reduced level through 2026.
According to the government’s press release, these reforms are designed to strengthen temporary residence programmes and manage the volume of incoming temporary residents.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller stated, “Not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to, and not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to. We are taking action to strengthen our temporary residence programmes and roll out a comprehensive immigration plan to meet the demands of today’s changing landscape.”
He emphasised that the immigration system must be well-managed and sustainable to ensure its integrity and success for newcomers.
As part of the reforms, master’s and doctoral students will need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter with their study permit applications.
Around 12 per cent of the permit allocation will be reserved for these students, reflecting their contribution to the Canadian labour market.
In addition to changes in study permits, Canada will introduce stricter regulations for work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Programme and the International Mobility Program.
Starting later this year, work permits will only be available to spouses of master’s degree students whose programmes last at least 16 months, as well as to spouses of foreign workers in management roles or in sectors experiencing labour shortages.
Minister Randy Boissonnault highlighted the need to prioritise Canadian workers, stating, “The Temporary Foreign Worker Programme was designed to address labour shortages when qualified Canadians were unavailable. The changes we are making today will prioritise Canadian workers and ensure the programme meets our economy’s needs.”
Another key reform involves the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Programme. Beginning November 1, 2024, PGWP applicants will need to demonstrate proficiency in either French or English.
University graduates will be required to meet a Canadian Language Benchmark level 7, while college graduates must achieve a CLB level 5.
This change is expected to make the programme more selective, aligning with Canada’s evolving labour market goals.
To manage the rising number of asylum claims driven by global displacement trends, the government is also investing $743.5 million over five years, with an additional $159.5 million in ongoing funding. These investments will strengthen the asylum system’s effectiveness.
Finally, visa decision-making processes will be improved to detect fraud and reduce non-genuine visitors, a move the government says is crucial to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system in the face of economic challenges.