Canada's New Immigration Measures for 2024: What They Mean for International Students and Workers

Canada recently introduced several major changes to its immigration system, targeting international students, foreign workers, and asylum seekers. These updates reflect the country's evolving approach to managing immigration sustainably, prioritizing Canadian labor needs, and ensuring that temporary residents receive the necessary support. Here’s what you need to know about these new measures and how they may impact your plans to study, work, or settle in Canada.

1. Study Permit Reduction for 2025

• To address growing concerns about the availability of housing and public resources, Canada will reduce its study permits in 2025 by 10% compared to 2024. This means that only 437,000 study permits will be issued in 2025, compared to 485,000 in 2024.

• By stabilizing the number of new study permits at this level, Canada aims to provide international students with adequate support as they pursue education and future employment opportunities.

2. New Requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• Starting in November 2024, international graduates seeking a PGWP will face updated requirements. Graduates from Canadian universities will need to meet a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7, while college graduates must achieve CLB level 5.

• Additionally, PGWPs will be granted primarily to graduates in fields related to occupations with long-term labor shortages, ensuring alignment with Canada's workforce needs.

3. Work Permit Changes for Spouses of Students and Workers

• Spouses of international students will now be eligible for work permits only if the student is in a master’s program lasting at least 16 months.

• Similarly, under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP), work permits for spouses will be restricted to foreign workers in managerial, specialized, or high-demand roles. This adjustment prioritizes Canadian workers and helps address Canada’s labor shortages.

4. Enhanced Asylum System Measures

• To manage the growing number of asylum seekers, Canada is strengthening visa integrity and improving processing times. Measures include introducing partial visa requirements for Mexican citizens and reviewing visa decision-making protocols to better detect fraud. These improvements will maintain the fairness of the asylum process while upholding Canada’s humanitarian commitments.

5. Future Goals for Temporary Resident Volumes

• Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027, expected in early November 2024, will include a target to limit temporary residents to 5% of the total population by 2027. This approach signals Canada’s commitment to managing immigration volumes while supporting economic growth.

Conclusion

The new measures introduced by the Canadian government are designed to strengthen the immigration system, support Canada’s economic goals, and create a sustainable future for international students, foreign workers, and asylum seekers. If you’re considering studying or working in Canada, it’s essential to stay updated on these changes and understand how they may affect your eligibility.

For personalized guidance and help navigating these updates, contact NexusGlobal Immigration, where our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your Canadian education and career goals.