On September 18, 2024, at 1 PM EST, a significant announcement took place as the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, and the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, unveiled new measures to strengthen Canada’s temporary resident programs and migration pathways.
The live session covered critical topics, including updates on asylum claims, Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), and the role of international students in Canada immigration landscape. This initiative aims to address current challenges and enhance opportunities for temporary residents in Canada.
Reduction in Study Permit Intake for International Students
Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, along with Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, unveiled a number of important initiatives intended to transform Canada’s immigration system, particularly within the context of its temporary resident programs.
A proposed decrease in the intake ceiling for study permits for international students is one of the significant announcements. In order to stabilise these numbers in 2026, the government plans to award 10% fewer study permits in 2025 than it did in 2024, for a total of 437,000. This adjustment is a part of a larger initiative to make sure that Canada’s immigration laws continue to meet the demands of the labour market while responsibly handling the country’s increasing number of foreign students.
As part of the revised admission caps, the government will set aside 12% of study permit spots for these students.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Updates and Work Permit Eligibility Changes
In order to better match the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) with Canada’s changing immigration objectives and the labour market, the government intends to amend the program this autumn. Gradutes and higher will receive a PGWP for 3 years whereas diploma students will only receive PGWP for one year. Effective November 1, 2024, applicants for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will be required to provide proof of funds and submit English language proficiency scores from either IELTS or CELPIP. For PhD and master’s degree holders, the language test must show a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7, while graduates must demonstrate a minimum CLB level of 5. These new requirements aim to ensure that candidates are adequately prepared for the Canadian labour market and immigration pathways.
The work permit eligibility of spouses will also be impacted by these modifications, with the privilege being restricted to spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months.
Spousal Open Work Permit Changes
The eligibility of spouses of foreign workers in management, professional, or industries with severe labour shortages will also be restricted for work permits under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). These adjustments are in line with Canada’s goal to improve immigration policies to better meet particular economic requirements.
A Broader Immigration Plan for Sustainable Growth
The most recent steps taken by the Canadian government to control temporary immigrants are a part of a more extensive immigration strategy.
Minister Miller underlined that although Canada is dedicated to accepting immigrants, it is crucial to preserve the viability and integrity of the immigration system.
“The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to—just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to,” said Minister Miller.”
In order to preserve the integrity of immigration programs and safeguard vulnerable individuals, the government will also implement additional procedures.
These precautions include making sure that only individuals who fulfill the required requirements are granted temporary status in Canada and preventing the exploitation of foreign workers and international students.
Strengthening the Integrity of Canada’s Asylum System
The government is also proposing a series of steps to fortify Canada’s refugee system in response to the surge in asylum petitions brought on by widespread displacement.
The government has proposed in Budget 2024 to spend $743.5 million over five years, beginning in 2024–2025, with an extra $159.5 million as part of continued efforts to fortify Canada’s immigration and asylum procedures.
By strengthening the asylum system’s stability and integrity, this investment will enable Canada to fulfil its humanitarian obligations while keeping control of its borders.
This entails enforcing a partial visa requirement for citizens of India and enhancing the claims procedure while maintaining the system’s equity. India’s name was specially taken by Marc Miller. To decrease fraudulent visits and detect fraud, the government is further evaluating the methods used to make visa decisions. These actions are a part of Canada’s continuous efforts to fulfil its humanitarian obligations while preserving the openness and integrity of its immigration system, along with the investigation of other tactics.
There is increasing pressure on the government to make sure that its immigration policies are strong and equitable as long as Canada continues to draw significant numbers of skilled professionals, temporary foreign workers, and international students. These upcoming actions are anticipated to address systemic opportunities as well as challenges, with a focus on immigration integrity, sustainable growth, and adaptability to global trends. The announcement demonstrates the government’s dedication to upholding a balance that protects the program from abuse or exploitation while still promoting migration pathways.
