The Canadian government has decided to implement a sweeping immigration policy that will result in sending millions of temporary residents from the country, including students. The government wants to curb the public anger related to housing shortage and pressures on social services. Immigration targets are set to decline.
The Canadian government has forecasted that it will have fewer new permanent residents coming in from 485,000 in 2024 to 395,000 in 2025 and further reduce to 380,000 in 2026 and to 365,000 in 2027. These are in contrast to previously set annual targets of having 500,000 new permanent residents.
Effect on Temporary Residents
The effects of this shift in policies will deeply influence temporary residents, for instance, international students and other foreign workers. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has indicated that close to five million temporary permits stand to expire at the end of 2025; the expectation being that many will leave the country themselves. This comprises close to 766,000 students internationally who have been adversely affected by the latest changes in student visa programs.
The government has closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a fast-track visa program that expedited study permits for students from 14 countries, including India. This is done to strengthen program integrity and ensure equal access for all students. Now, prospective students have to apply through the regular study permit route, which may take longer.
Public Sentiment and Government Response
Public opinion in Canada has gradually begun to perceive that the high immigration levels cause unaffordable housing and social services strain. Most Canadians believe that the country is admitting too many new arrivals. In response to public opinion, the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has altered the immigration policies to take care of the economic and social needs of the country.
Economic Consequences
According to industry groups, decreasing immigrants may hurt the country’s labor pool and economic growth as well. Immigrants become a strong pillar of providing support to the workforce by attracting foreign investment into this country. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and small businesses raised the important contributions that can help this various sector in the economy
These changes in immigration policies in Canada are a drastic shift and may result in the sending away of millions of temporary residents. The measures might address domestic concerns, but they will pose challenges for international students and industries relying on foreign workers. Public sentiment is something that can be balanced with economic needs, and it is hard for the Canadian government.
