October 24, 2024: The Government of Canada has released its new Immigration Levels Plan, announcing a 20% reduction in immigration targets for 2025. This shift has sparked concerns among temporary residents aiming to secure permanent residency. It’s essential to understand the motivations behind this policy shift and how Canada plans to address domestic priorities before expanding immigration again.

Understanding the Cause

According to the Government of Canada, “while many international students genuinely come to Canada to attend world-class institutions, some foreign nationals misuse the system, using fraudulent acceptance letters without intent to pursue higher education.” Although most students are committed to their studies, a portion abuse student visas to work beyond permitted hours, contributing to economic strain, rising inflation, and increased unemployment among Canadian citizens.

Understanding the Statistic

The new immigration plan aims to reduce immigration by 105,00 admissions in 2025 with a priority to accommodate applicants that are already in Canada. 

The economic immigration focus means about 62% of new permanent residents by 2027, will fill essential roles in fields like health care and trades. The plan also: 

• Supports family reunification, with 24% of 2025 admissions for family members.
• Maintains Canada’s commitment to resettle vulnerable groups, such as refugees and human rights defenders.
• Increases Francophone immigration outside Quebec, aiming for 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027.

These targets ensure steady growth in Francophone admissions outside Quebec, even with lower overall immigration levels.

Understanding the Impact

Working hours: International Students are no longer eligible to work full-time while attending their classes. During regular school terms, international students are now eligible to work up to 20 hours per week. However, you can work multiple jobs as long as you are not exceeding the 20-hour limit. During your scheduled breaks in the school year by your designated learning institution (DLI), you can work an unlimited number of hours. For more information, check the official government website 

*You must be a full-time student both before and after the break to work full-time during the break.*

Community Dynamics: Having lived in Canada for over seven years as an international student and now a worker, I’ve observed the country’s evolution firsthand. International students often invest over CAD 100,000 each in tuition and living expenses, contributing to the growth of new facilities, buildings, and resources at universities and colleges. However, with Canada’s population growing quickly, some adjustments are still underway to ensure infrastructure and services keep pace with demand. These developments reflect Canada’s commitment to supporting its vibrant, diverse communities, including international students.

Living Conditions: Currently, a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment averages around CAD 2,300 per month. Many international students find affordable housing options by living with host families, sharing accommodations, or staying on campus with meal plans. To address growing demand, Canada’s Budget 2024 outlines an ambitious strategy to create 3.87 million new homes by 2031. This includes building at least 2 million additional homes beyond the 1.87 million already expected, with federal efforts supporting 1.2 million new homes. The federal government is collaborating with all levels of government to add 800,000 more homes by 2031, ensuring more affordable housing choices for everyone.

What does this mean for international students? 

Short-Term International Students: For international students looking for a short and enjoyable study experience in Canada, the current situation may not significantly impact your journey. It’s important to be mindful of the living costs, as Canada has a high demand for housing. However, there is a growing commitment to developing more affordable homes in the future. With the right planning and resources, you can make the most of your time here and create lasting memories in this vibrant country.

Long-term International Students: For international students aspiring to become permanent residents, Canada’s immigration system has become increasingly selective and competitive each year. However, the government is committed to supporting those who adhere to the rules. It prioritizes applicants who follow the policies, favoring students who respect the integrity of their student visas over those who misuse them for work or other purposes. If you’re looking to transition to permanent residency, ensure you comply with the regulations, as the government rewards those who do. Additionally, consider exploring careers in high-demand fields such as trades and healthcare, which can enhance your prospects in the Canadian job market.

Resources: Government of Canada