On September 18, 2024, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled a series of reforms to Canada’s temporary residence programs. These measures are designed to address the growing pressures from increased migration, safeguard the long-term sustainability of immigration levels, and ensure that temporary residence pathways continue to meet the country’s economic and labour market needs.
Canada has unveiled significant reforms to its temporary residence programs, aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability, protecting housing availability, and preserving program integrity. Beginning in 2025, the number of international students admitted will be reduced by 10%, following an earlier 38% decline between January and August 2024 compared to the previous year. This measure is intended to ease pressure on housing, public services, and student support systems.
Work permit eligibility rules are also tightening. Spouses of undergraduate students and visitor permit holders will no longer qualify for work permits, and the current temporary allowance for unlimited off-campus work hours will end, with a cap of 24 hours per week reinstated by the close of 2024.
To strengthen housing access and safeguard against fraud, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement stricter verification of letters of acceptance and require higher proof of financial resources for living expenses. These changes are designed to improve student success, promote integration, and ensure that only genuine applicants benefit from Canada’s education programs.
In addition, the government is addressing the rising number of asylum claims by introducing more stringent visa requirements for certain nationalities, including Mexican citizens. Enhanced funding from the 2024 federal budget will be allocated to speed up asylum claim processing and expand housing options for claimants.
Collectively, these reforms aim to reduce the proportion of temporary residents from 6.5% of Canada’s population in 2023 to 5% by 2027, striking a balance between economic needs, humanitarian commitments, and sustainable population growth.
