In September 2024, the government of Canada introduced pivotal reforms to respond to a range of domestic issues affecting housing shortages and labor pressures. The new policies address international students, temporary foreign workers, and their family members, signifying that the country’s immigration landscape is changing.
Decrease in International Student Visas
Canada will cut the number of study permits it issues to international students to 437,000 by 2025, from 509,390 in 2023. The move is to reduce housing shortages in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, which have seen increased demand and cost of living due to increased student populations. Policymakers say there must be a balance between student enrollment and availability of housing.
Toughen Spousal Work Permit Requirements
Eligibility for spousal work permits has been tightened to limit them to spouses of international workers in management, professional, or labor-shortage occupations. This is aimed at protecting job opportunities and wages for Canadian citizens and easing the pressure on local labor markets.
Strengthening Visa Integrity
To combat fraudulent visa applications, Canada is increasing training and capacity for immigration officers. In so doing, the system becomes robust in integrity and safeguards vulnerable individuals against exploitation.
Reforms in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The TFWP now caps the number of low-wage foreign workers that employers can hire, especially in areas with high unemployment. Employers are encouraged to hire local residents instead of temporary foreign workers, a move that significantly impacts industries such as agriculture and hospitality, which rely heavily on foreign labor.
No New Pathways to Permanent Residency
Despite this, the reforms have failed to consider increasing entry avenues into permanent residency. Critics further argue that most of these roles are essential for long-term sustainable economic growth in Canada.
Public Opinion and Economic Balance
With public concern over housing and job competition at an all-time high, these reforms look to balance immigration with domestic capacity. Economists point out that immigrants continue to be vital in balancing Canada’s aging population and declining birth rates.
Effects on Employers
Employers in the labor-intensive sectors face a new challenge in adapting to these reforms, as they need to focus more on local recruitment strategies.
These reforms reflect the efforts of Canada to align immigration with its social and economic policies in response to public concerns.
