As a global hotspot for studying, working and traveling, Canada has tightened its immigration policies in recent years to cope with the pressure brought by population growth.

Source: 51 journalist shooting

According to data released by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada rejected approximately 2.36 million temporary resident applications in 2024, covering three major categories: visiting relatives and tourists, studying and work visas. This move aims to alleviate the pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public healthcare systems.

Which visas are most affected?

  • Tourist visa (Visitor Visas): Rejected about 1.95 million, showing a significant increase compared to the 40% rejection rate in 2023.
  • Study permit (Study Permits): Rejected about 290,317, higher than the previous year.
  • Work permit (Work Permits): Approximately 115,549 were rejected.

Why is Canada doing this?

Relieving public service pressure: Housing shortages, long hospital queues... The government must hit the brakes on the surge of population.

Preventing overstays: Some tourists do not leave on time after entering the country, so the government strengthens the review of applicants' true intentions.

Rectifying the study system: The immigration department found that about 50,000 international students did not actually attend school, so the government set an upper limit on study permits and required more stringent materials such as financial proof.

Balancing labor input: Although foreign workers are needed to supplement manpower in the medical, construction, tourism, and other industries, the government is reducing the number of permits issued to maintain a balanced labor market.

The immigration bureau is strictly reviewing every application, with the sole purpose of keeping those truly in need and capable while filtering out "unclear intention" applicants.

This policy has particularly significant impacts on international students. In 2024, Canada not only limited the total number of study permits but also raised the application threshold, requiring applicants to provide detailed financial capability proofs.

Once it does not meet the standards, the application will be rejected, causing some international students to turn their attention to countries like the UK and Australia.

Source: 51 journalist shooting

What impact will this have on Canada's economy?

Experts believe that this policy has both advantages and risks:

  • Positive impact: Slowing population growth can ease the pressure on housing and healthcare, potentially leading to a decrease in rent and waiting times for medical appointments.
  • Potential risk: Labor shortages may worsen, especially given the trend of an aging population, which could result in a shortage of manpower in certain industries.

Processing progress in 2025

So far this year, IRCC has processed over 2 million applications, including citizenship, permanent residents, and various temporary visas.

Currently, there are 947,200 pending temporary resident visa applications, of which 532,000 are still being processed within normal timeframes, and approximately 414,000 are overdue and have entered backlog status.

In the first two months of this year, the immigration department has completed processing 112,000 study permit (including extensions) applications and 260,000 work permit (including extensions) applications.

By the end of April 2025, approximately 38% of temporary resident applications will still be in backlog status.

Outlook for the future: Further reduction of temporary residents in 2026

In the short term, entering Canada will become more difficult. Whether it is a tourist visa, study permit, or work permit, stricter review criteria and more detailed material requirements mean any minor error could lead to rejection.

IRCC expects to continue reducing the number of temporary residents in 2026, with thresholds rising even higher.

Canada remains a dream destination for many, but the path to "Maple Country" is becoming increasingly difficult. It is recommended that applicants:

  • Ensure your application materials are complete, truthful, and detailed.
  • Prepare sufficient financial proof and learning/work plans.
  • Stay informed about policy updates to avoid reactive adjustments.

Only with thorough preparation can you increase your chances of success. Good luck!

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7495524194701050403/

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