All international students can’t stay in Canada — Message from Justin Trudeau
In 2024, the Canadian government plans to implement significant changes to its immigration programs. These changes are aimed at effectively managing the influx of immigrants and addressing the country’s population growth. It’s important to stay updated with the latest information regarding these changes to understand their potential impact better.
During a recent phone interview with the media, Immigration Minister Marc Miller discussed ongoing deliberations between federal and provincial authorities regarding the allocation of long-term visas for international students. These discussions are centered around assessing labor market demands to ensure that the number of visas granted aligns with the needs of the workforce.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is currently experiencing mounting pressure as a result of the increasing living costs, fierce competition in the housing market, and rising unemployment rates. As of this year, the federal government has also put in place a cap on international student enrollments, adding to the challenges faced by the Canadian government.
Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has already announced that it will be accepting 606,250 new study permit applications this year, starting in January. This is still an amazing and significant opportunity for individuals who want to pursue their studies in Canada.
According to government regulations, the proposed changes aim to enhance the system’s efficiency and ensure its long-term sustainability.
The population of Canada has experienced a notable increase primarily due to the influx of immigrants and a significant rise in consumer demand. According to Statistics Canada’s report last month, Canada’s population has reached 41 million as of April 1 of this year. This surge in population reflects the country’s ongoing growth and development, highlighting the diversity and economic vibrancy of the nation.
Currently, Canadian officials are strategizing the ideal number of international students who should remain in the country upon completing their studies. This deliberation aims to balance the country’s workforce needs with opportunities for skilled graduates to contribute to Canada’s economy and society.
The Canadian government has implemented a policy whereby they thoroughly assess the labor market needs before extending the option for permanent residency. They no longer allow uncontrolled or uncapped draws from abroad, as they aim to carefully manage the intake of immigrants based on the country’s economic and labor requirements.
The popularity of this particular type of visa has seen a significant surge in recent years. According to a report released by the government, there has been a staggering 78% increase in the number of holders of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) over the past four years. To provide context, in 2022, the total number of PGWP holders in the country stood at 132,000, showcasing the rapid growth and appeal of this visa program.
During his speech, Marc Miller stressed the importance of establishing a platform for open and collaborative discussions between government officials and business leaders. He highlighted the need for proactive measures to reform the existing immigration policy, emphasizing the potential positive impact of such changes on various stakeholders.
The Trudeau administration is actively engaged in the establishment of a distinct program aimed at facilitating businesses in applying to bring in temporary workers who are often subject to exploitation. In addition, Marc Miller has committed to reducing the percentage of temporary foreign workers from almost seven percent to five percent.
In recent weeks, there have been notable protests by foreign workers in Prince Edward Island. This unrest was sparked by the announcement of changes to the provincial immigration policy in February. These changes were specifically aimed at reducing the number of permanent residency nominations for individuals employed in sales and service roles. The impact of these policy alterations has elicited strong reactions within the foreign worker community in the province.
Miller stated that Canada has become less welcoming to international students compared to previous years. He highlighted that study visas are increasingly seen as less of a straightforward route to obtaining permanent residency or entering Canada. Study visa is more qualitative, and we want to see it return to its original intent.
The Canadian government advises international students that although they may hold a study permit, this does not guarantee permanent residency or Canadian citizenship approval. For more Canadian news, stay informed through reliable sources.
