Canada Proposes New Reforms for the Temporary Workers and International Students (Sep 2024)

This is an indication there has been rise in new changes in managing the population of non-permanent residents including students and workers due to pressure from the increasing housing and employment markets. These changes are another attempt to seek the middle ground in immigration considerations with regard to the challenges faced in Canadian communities.

Reduction in International Student Permits

By 2025, the number of permits for Canada study is expected to be 437,000 while in 2023, the number stood at 509,390. This reduction is expected to help offload pressure from housing markets in particular cities such as Toronto and Vancouver which have recorded a surge in student population and therefore the cost of living.

Tighter Work Permits for Spouses

The government concerned has made a number of restrictive measures in eligibility of work permits to spouses of international students and employees. It is this move that has a filtering effect of jobs preventing competition allowing citizens of Canada to be protected employment and wages.

Strengthening Visa Integrity

One of the measures the Canadian government is applying to fight fraudulent visa application is to improving the equipment and the personnel of the immigration officers. This will ensure only the temporary residents gain entry into the country which will reduce cases of exploitation as well as improve trust in the immigration system.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Revisions

The TFWP has been tweaked to limit the number low-wage foreign workers an employer can employ. The government also limits use of temporary foreign workers by firms in areas with high unemployment rates*local people must be hired. This impacts on the kind of businesses that rely on foreign help such as agriculture and hospitality business.

No Clear Path to Permanent Residency

However, in spite of requests for more temporary residents to become permanent residents there is no such provision in the new policy. This has angered the workers and the advocates, pointing out that most of the temporary jobs are crucial in the growth of the Canadian economy.

The Dynamics Between Immigration and Public Opinion

The community attitude has changed and many of the Canadians have grown wary of immigrant’s contributions through their participation in exacerbating the housing problem and competition for jobs. But, economists stressed the fact that Canada requires more immigrants for the labor market because the population increases and the number of employees is reducing due to people’s aging process.

Impact on Employers

Employers relying on temporary foreign workers must now adjust their strategies, focusing on recruiting local talent. This is expected to create challenges in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, where finding local labor is difficult.