Canada Introduces New Immigration Policies to Lower Temporary Resident Numbers by 2027
In a bid to manage the growing number of temporary residents, Canada has unveiled new immigration policies aimed at reducing their population to 5% of the total by 2027. By the end of 2023, temporary residents made up approximately 6.2% of Canada’s population, with around 2.5 million individuals holding temporary status. Canada New Immigration Policies
Targeting Integrity Issues in Student Visas
One of the key areas of focus is the regulation of international student visas. In January 2024, the Canadian government announced a temporary cap on new international student visas, limiting them to 360,000 for the year—a 35% reduction from the previous year. This cap excludes students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as those in elementary and secondary education. The aim is to address integrity issues within educational institutions that have been accepting more international students primarily for revenue without ensuring adequate support and resources. Canada New Immigration Policies
The government emphasized its commitment to attracting students with in-demand skills, particularly those in advanced degree programs. The Ministry of Immigration will re-evaluate the number of new visas to be issued in 2025 based on the program’s integrity and growth stabilization. Canada New Immigration Policies
Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits
Graduate students will benefit from a proposed three-year work permit upon earning a master’s degree from Canadian institutions. However, there are new restrictions for international students at private institutions. Starting September 1, 2024, those enrolled in certain private institutions will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits. This measure addresses concerns about the quality of education and the rapid increase in international student numbers at non-accredited institutions.
Stricter Asylum Policies for Mexican Nationals
Canada is also tightening its asylum policies to manage the influx of unqualified asylum seekers. In 2023, Mexican nationals accounted for 17% of new asylum claims in Canada, with 60% of these claims being rejected, withdrawn, or abandoned. To address this, Canada has updated its electronic travel authorization (eTA) policies, requiring many Mexican visitors to apply for a visitor visa instead.
Mexican nationals may still be eligible for eTA if they are traveling by air, intend to stay for less than six months, and have previously held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa. Those entering by land or sea, or who do not meet these criteria, must obtain a physical visa stamp through a Canadian consulate or embassy before travel.
Future Plans and Ongoing Reviews
The Ministry of Immigration is conducting a comprehensive review of existing immigration programs to better align with market needs and prevent system abuse. Detailed plans and further measures are expected to be outlined in Canada’s annual Immigration Levels Plan, set for release in Fall 2024.
FAQ: Canada’s New Immigration Policies to Lower Temporary Resident Numbers
What is Canada’s new immigration policies aiming to achieve?
Canada aims to reduce the number of temporary residents from 6.2% of the population to 5% by 2027 through new immigration policies.
Why is Canada capping the number of new international student visas?
The cap addresses integrity issues within educational institutions that have been accepting more international students primarily for revenue without providing adequate support and resources.
How many new international student visas will be issued in 2024?
Canada has capped new international student visas at 360,000 for 2024, a 35% reduction from the previous year.
Who is exempt from the new cap on international student visas?
Students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as those in elementary and secondary education, are exempt from the cap.
Will the cap on international student visas affect all types of programs?
No, the cap primarily affects non-graduate programs. Graduate programs and elementary and secondary education are not included in the cap.
What changes are being made to post-graduation work permits?
Graduate students will receive a three-year work permit if they earn a master’s degree from Canadian institutions. Students at certain private institutions will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits starting September 1, 2024.
Why are post-graduation work permits being restricted for students at private institutions?
The restrictions address concerns about the quality of education and the rapid increase in international student numbers at non-accredited institutions.
What new visa requirements are being imposed on Mexican nationals?
Many Mexican nationals must now apply for a visitor visa instead of relying on electronic travel authorization (Eta) to travel to Canada.
Who among Mexican nationals can still qualify for Eta?
Mexican nationals traveling by air, intending to stay for less than six months, and who have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa can still qualify for Eta.
What do Mexican nationals need to do if they do not qualify for Eta?
They must obtain a physical visa stamp through a Canadian consulate or embassy before traveling.
Why is Canada imposing stricter visa requirements on Mexican nationals?
The stricter requirements aim to identify and restrict those likely to make unfounded asylum claims before they reach Canadian borders.
What percentage of new asylum claims in Canada were made by Mexican nationals in 2023?
In 2023, Mexican nationals accounted for 17% of all new asylum claims in Canada.
How successful were the asylum claims made by Mexican nationals in 2023?
About 60% of the asylum claims made by Mexican nationals were rejected, withdrawn, or abandoned.
What further reviews are being conducted by the Ministry of Immigration?
The Ministry is reviewing existing immigration programs to better align with market needs and prevent system abuse.
When will more details about Canada’s immigration policies be released?
Further details are expected to be outlined in Canada’s annual Immigration Levels Plan, set for release in Fall 2024.
Disclaimer: This article is based on current information and is intended for informational purposes only. Please refer to the official Canadian government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Source: www.mondaq.com
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