In response to the growing influx of temporary residents, the Canadian government, under Immigration Minister Marc Miller, has introduced key reforms to ensure the country’s immigration system remains sustainable. The primary focus is on managing the surge in international students and temporary workers. Let’s examine the six key measures announced on September 18, 2024.
1. Capping International Study Permits: Managing the Inflow
A national cap on international student study permits will reduce the number of permits issued by around 300,000 over the next three years. The number of temporary residents has surged dramatically, from 437,000 in 2019 to 1.2 million in 2023, significantly straining housing markets, especially in areas with high concentrations of students. Minister Miller emphasized the importance of fairness, ensuring that resources such as housing are distributed more equitably across the country.
Minister Miller:
“We anticipate a reduction of 300,000 study permits over three years. This cap is here to stay to ensure fair distribution of resources like housing across provinces and territories.”
As part of this policy, the 2024 intake target of 485,000 study permits will be reduced by 10%, setting a goal of issuing 437,000 study permits for 2025 and 2026. By slowing the intake, this measure aims to ease housing shortages in cities like Toronto and Vancouver while allowing educational institutions to better prepare for future arrivals.
2. New Language Proficiency Standards: Fostering Better Integration
The introduction of stricter language proficiency requirements for international students applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) marks another significant change. Starting November 1, 2024, applicants will need to meet a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7 for university graduates and CLB Level 5 for college graduates. This change is designed to help students integrate more effectively into Canadian society and the workforce.
Minister Miller:
“From November 1, 2024, applicants for the post-graduation work permit must meet CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates. Language proficiency is crucial for success in Canada.”
This reform acknowledges that language barriers can impede students’ academic and professional success. By enhancing linguistic skills, the government hopes to create a smoother transition from academic life to the workforce.
3. Prioritizing High-Value Graduates: Adjustments to PGWP Eligibility
In a further attempt to align the PGWP with economic needs, eligibility will now prioritize students likely to contribute more to the economy. Graduates from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs will continue to be eligible for PGWPs of up to three years. This shift is expected to reduce the issuance of 175,000 permits over the next three years, focusing on students better equipped to meet the economy’s demands.
Minister Miller:
“Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs will remain eligible for work permits of up to three years, as they are more adaptable to evolving economic needs.”
By concentrating on highly skilled graduates, the government is prioritizing those likely to fill critical gaps in the workforce while improving oversight of the quality and relevance of educational programs offered.
4. Restricting Spousal Work Permits: Targeting High-Demand Programs
The government is also tightening restrictions on spousal open work permits, which were previously available to spouses of most international students. Now, eligibility will be limited to spouses of students enrolled in high-demand programs such as doctoral degrees and certain professional master’s programs.
Minister Miller:
“We will soon introduce restrictions on spousal open work permits, focusing on programs aligned with Canada’s labor market needs.”
This move aims to reduce labor market oversaturation, which has been contributing to wage stagnation in some sectors. By narrowing eligibility, the government hopes to reduce around 50,000 spousal work permits over three years.
5. Further Tightening of Spousal Work Permits: High-Skilled Workers Focus
Building on the previous point, spousal work permits will also be restricted to partners of individuals in high-demand sectors. These sectors include fields like healthcare, engineering, and executive-level positions, where labor shortages are more pronounced.
Minister Miller:
“We will focus on issuing permits to spouses of students in doctoral, professional master’s programs, and select pilot programs, which should lead to around 50,000 fewer spousal work permits.”
This reform is projected to reduce spousal permits by 100,000 over three years and help Canada meet labor demands in critical sectors.
6. Ensuring Economic Priorities: Spouses of Key Workers
The final measure limits spousal work permits to those married to highly skilled professionals in fields such as healthcare, construction, and engineering—sectors crucial to Canada’s economic growth. This reform ensures that temporary permits are awarded where they are most needed and not in oversaturated labor markets.
Minister Miller:
“We will reserve work permits for spouses of highly skilled workers, such as scientists, engineers, and C-suite executives, to address key labor shortages.”
This move underscores the government’s commitment to protecting Canada’s economic stability by supporting industries vital to infrastructure and development.
