Canada further tightens restrictions on temporary foreign workers, international students
Canada has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing the number of temporary foreign residents in the country. These include a reduction in international student numbers and restrictions on work permits for spouses of foreign students and workers. Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed plans to decrease study permits issued to international students from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 next year, marking a significant drop compared to the 509,390 permits granted in 2023.
Language proficiency tests for postgraduate work permits
In addition to the reduction in study permits, students seeking postgraduate work permits will now be required to pass an English or French-language test. University graduates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7, while college graduates need a CLB of 5 for applications submitted after November 1. Miller acknowledged that these changes are unlikely to reduce numbers rapidly, stating "This is about slowing down a big ship and it will take time."
Changes to work permits for spouses of foreign students
The Canadian government has also tightened work-permit rules for spouses of master's-degree students. From later this year, only those whose partners are in study programs lasting at least 16 months will be eligible for a work permit. This is expected to result in 50,000 fewer spousal work permits over the next three years. Work permits will now only be given to spouses of foreign workers in professional or management jobs, or sectors with labor shortages such as construction.
Plan to reduce temporary residents from 6.5% to 5%
The changes are part of a government plan to lower the number of temporary residents from 6.5% of Canada's population to 5% by 2026. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the measures were necessary to crack down on "bad actors" who misuse Canada's immigration system. "We're granting less international student permits this year. And next year, that number's going down by another 10%..Immigration is an advantage...- but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down."
Impact of immigration policy on Indian students
Canada is a popular destination for Indian students, with approximately 4.27 lakh currently studying there. Between 2013 and 2022, the number of Indian students moving to Canada for study has seen a massive rise of 260%. According to a Reuters report earlier this year, about 40% of overseas students in Canada were from India. The Canadian government's move to cut international student permits will now make Indian students choose other options such as the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia.
