Canada Rolls Out New Strategies to Manage Temporary Resident Numbers

Canada has long been a top destination for immigrants, celebrated for its inclusive society and robust economic opportunities. However, with evolving labour market demands and economic priorities, the government has introduced fresh measures to better control the influx of temporary residents. Immigration Minister Marc Miller recently shared a plan designed to align immigration policies with the country’s economic objectives while maintaining a sustainable and efficient system.

Reducing Temporary Resident Numbers

One of the key goals in the government’s new strategy is to bring down the proportion of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% by 2026. To achieve this, Canada will adjust its approach to issuing study permits and revising the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program. These updates are aimed at better managing the number of temporary residents, ensuring that individuals coming to Canada can be adequately supported in their transition.

1. Changes to Study Permits – In 2025, Canada will reduce the number of study permits by 10%, bringing the target from 485,000 to 437,000. This reduction aims to balance the number of international students with the country’s capacity to accommodate them, helping to relieve pressure on both the housing and job markets. By limiting the intake of new students, Canada intends to ensure that those who do arrive can be better integrated into the economy and communities.
2. Updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Another significant change is coming to the PGWP Program. Beginning next year, international graduates will need to meet new language proficiency standards in either English or French to qualify for a work permit. This update will help ensure that students transitioning from school to the workforce are equipped with the necessary language skills to succeed in the Canadian labour market.
3. Tighter Rules for Spousal Work Permits – Eligibility for work permits will also tighten for spouses of international master’s students and temporary foreign workers. Moving forward, only spouses of students enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months will be eligible for a work permit. Similarly, spouses of foreign workers will only qualify if their partner is working in certain sectors, such as managerial or professional occupations. These changes are designed to address labour shortages in specific areas and ensure that work permits are distributed fairly and effectively.

Despite these adjustments, Canada remains committed to its humanitarian responsibilities. For instance, the government has introduced a partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals in response to a rise in asylum claims. At the same time, steps are being taken to improve the efficiency of asylum claim processing, ensuring that genuine claims are processed faster and more fairly.

Canada’s new immigration measures reflect a balanced approach to welcoming newcomers while addressing economic needs and maintaining the system’s sustainability. By implementing these changes, the government hopes to create an immigration environment that benefits both new arrivals and the country as a whole.