Canada Tightens Immigration Rules: 10% Cut in Study Permits, Stricter Work Visa Requirements

The Canadian government has unveiled a series of immigration reforms set to take effect in 2025, aimed at reducing the number of international students and tightening regulations for foreign workers. These changes are part of a broader strategy to safeguard Canada’s immigration system while supporting its economic recovery.

As part of the reforms, Canada will reduce the intake of study permits by 10%, dropping the target from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 in 2025. This reduction is part of an effort to manage the growing influx of temporary residents. The cap is expected to remain in place through 2026, with a focus on maintaining the integrity of the immigration process.

This announcement comes amidst a global trend of migration, often referred to in Nigeria and other countries as “japa,” where individuals seek better opportunities abroad. Canada, along with countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, has become a prime destination for such migrants, who often relocate for work, education, or family reasons.

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, highlighted the need for stricter controls, stating, “Not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to, and not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to.” He emphasized that the new measures are designed to manage the growing number of temporary residents and to ensure the long-term sustainability of Canada’s immigration system.

The reforms will also impact master’s and doctoral students, who will now be required to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter with their study permit applications. Around 12% of the total study permit allocation will be reserved for these advanced degree students, reflecting their value to the Canadian labour market.

In addition to changes in student permits, Canada will introduce stricter rules for work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Programme (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). Starting later this year, work permits will only be available to spouses of master’s students whose programs are at least 16 months long and to spouses of foreign workers in managerial roles or industries facing labour shortages.

Randy Boissonnault, Minister responsible for the TFWP, emphasized the importance of prioritizing Canadian workers, stating, “The Temporary Foreign Worker Programme was designed to address labour shortages when qualified Canadians were unavailable. The changes we are making today will prioritize Canadian workers and ensure the programme meets our economy’s needs.”

Another significant change involves the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Programme. From November 1, 2024, PGWP applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French. University graduates will need to achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7, while college graduates must meet a CLB level 5. This adjustment aims to make the programme more selective, aligning it with Canada’s evolving labour market goals.

To address the growing number of asylum claims due to global displacement, the Canadian government is also investing $743.5 million over five years, with an additional $159.5 million in ongoing funding. This funding will enhance the efficiency of the asylum system.

Additionally, visa decision-making processes will be improved to detect fraud and reduce non-genuine visitors, a move deemed crucial by the government to uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration system amid economic challenges.