INTERNATIONAL
Canada is taking steps to manage its immigration and education policies. The Canadian government plans to stabilize the number of new permanent residents at 500,000 in 2026. This move comes after years of increasing immigration levels, which have put pressure on housing and infrastructure.
Record levels of permanent residents, reaching 437,000 in 2022, have caused the government to reevaluate future growth to balance labor force needs with provincial capacity. They intend to coordinate housing, healthcare, and infrastructure across government departments and regional authorities.
International Students and Permanent Residency:
This rise in permanent migration aligns with the growing number of international students choosing Canada for their studies, with many hoping to become permanent residents. However, not all students achieve this goal.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that “Canada will maintain its targets in 2024 and 2025, increasing the number of new permanent residents to 485,000 and 500,000, respectively. In 2026, they plan to stabilize permanent resident levels at 500,000.
In the first three quarters of 2023, about 20,500 former study permit holders gained residency status in Canada, compared to 19,735 in all of 2022.
Shamira Madhany, managing director for World Education Services Canada, views the new immigration targets as balanced, offering international students the opportunity to seek permanent residency. She also suggests streamlining pathways for international students, collaborative support, and accessible information for them.
Upcoming Changes in Graduate Work Permits:
The government is also committed to updating the post-graduation work permit program, focusing on critical sectors. However, details about this update are yet to be revealed.
According to (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) IRCC’s new strategy it focuses on international students with high-demand skills and explores measures to help them transition into the labor force. The government will also work with Global Affairs Canada to market high-demand skills and sectors to prospective international students.
Canada’s Economic and Immigration Balance:
Immigration Minister Marc Miller also stressed the importance of immigrants to Canada’s economy, especially in the face of an aging population. The plan aims to strike a balance between growing the economy, maintaining humanitarian values, and supporting Francophone immigration.
Additionally, the government is addressing barriers faced by students from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to study in Canada, including high visa refusal rates. They will develop a pilot program with select post-secondary institutions to ease financial requirements and facilitate applications in Francophone minority communities.
IRCC also mentioned planned changes to the international student program, such as the recognized institution framework. While a step in the right direction, more collaboration, regulation of education agents, and expanded eligibility for services are needed to support international students, according to WES’s recommendations.
