Canada Tightens Immigration Rules, Reduces Study Permits By 35% For international Students

Canada is tightening its immigration rules, significantly reducing the number of study permits for international students and tightening work permit eligibility. This move follows a political climate where prime minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government is facing declining public support and recent electoral setbacks.

Key Changes
Study Permits: canada will issue 35% fewer international study permits in 2025, reducing the number from 509,390 in 2023 to approximately 437,000.
Work Permits: Eligibility for work permits will also be restricted, particularly for spouses of students and temporary foreign workers.
Fraud Prevention: The government aims to enhance visa integrity measures to combat fraud and reduce the influx of non-genuine visitors.
Government Statements
Trudeau emphasized the need to crack down on "bad actors" who exploit the system, asserting that while immigration benefits the economy, it must be regulated. Immigration minister Marc Miller reiterated that not all applicants will be granted entry or residency.

Criticism and Concerns
The temporary foreign worker program has faced criticism for potential worker exploitation. Advocates argue that reducing migrant numbers won't solve issues of exploitation and stress the need for equal rights and pathways to permanent residency for temporary workers.

Economist Armine Yalnizyan highlighted the lack of plans for transitioning migrants to permanent status, pointing out the economic benefits of facilitating long-term residency.

Public Sentiment
Amid rising concerns about housing and cost of living, a segment of the public feels canada is admitting too many immigrants. This sentiment is contributing to a shift in Canada’s historically welcoming stance towards newcomers, with increased anti-migrant rhetoric.

Context
These changes follow a broader trend of reevaluating immigration policies after years of increasing temporary resident numbers, reflecting the government’s attempt to balance economic needs with public sentiment.
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Balasahana Suresh

19/09/2024 12:00 PM