Significant changes have been made to Canada’s immigration laws, including tighter guidelines for study permits, longer work permits for Israelis, new caregiver PR programs, the removal of PGWPs at borders, Super Visas for parents, and longer work hours for foreign students. Find out what these changes mean for you!
Significant adjustments are being made to Canada’s visa regulations, which will have an impact on residency programs, work permits, and study permits. These modifications are a part of the nation’s larger plan to alleviate the labor crisis, expedite immigration procedures, and foster economic expansion. This is a thorough rundown of the most recent changes:
1. Limitations on Research Permits:
International students studying in Canada will be subject to new rules concerning their study permits as of July 2024. Every time a student transfers schools, they have to reapply for a study permit under the new regulations. The purpose of this provision is to guard against study permit misuse and to guarantee that students keep the appropriate authorization for their studies. Prior to beginning their new program, students must get their new study visa, which helps to better manage student enrollment and immigration compliance.
2. Prolonged Work Permits for Citizens of Israel:
Canada has expanded the work visa possibilities available to Israeli nationals in reaction to the ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas. This extension, which was originally scheduled to end in June 2024, will now last until July 31, 2025. This move demonstrates Canada’s commitment to helping its international partners and adapting to circumstances across the world that affect its immigration policies by allowing Israelis to apply for work visas in the midst of the crisis.
3. Post-Graduation Work Permit Termination at the Port of Entry:
With effect from June 2024, Canada will no longer be accepting applications for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) at the border, marking a significant shift in policy. In order to expedite their permit applications, temporary residents engaged in a practice known as “flagpoling,” which included departing and returning to Canada. The new law intends to stop this practice and guarantee that work permits are obtained through official routes, thereby lowering the possibility of misuse and enhancing the effectiveness of the immigration system.
4. Foreign Caregivers’ Instant Permanent Residency:
Canada has launched two new pilot programs that provide certified foreign caregivers with immediate permanent residency upon arrival, aiming to satisfy the rising need for caring services. These initiatives help ease the labor crisis in the caregiving industry and assist families in need of care services by making it easier for caregivers to get employment and residency status.
5. Parents and grandparents: Super Visas
About 35,700 sponsors who filed to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada are currently receiving Super Visas from the Canadian government. On May 21, 2024, these visas started to be distributed. Through the sponsorship of their parents and grandparents by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, this project promotes family reunion by making it easier for families to remain together.
6. Shorter Wait Times for Visas for Self-Employed and Start-Ups:
With effect from April 30, 2024, Canada has made modifications to shorten the processing durations for startup and self-employed visas. The purpose of these modifications is to clear the backlog of applications and facilitate immigration for creative businesses and independent contractors. Canada wants to encourage the creation of new firms and projects and draw in more talent by making the application process simpler.
7. Extended Working Hours for Students from Abroad:
International students studying in Canada will be permitted to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week starting in September 2024, up from the previous cap of 20 hours. The goal of this reform is to give students additional opportunity to obtain job experience and contribute to the workforce while they are still in school, as well as to support the Canadian economy, which has been negatively impacted by a lack of labor.
These changes demonstrate Canada’s dedication to improving immigration laws, meeting labor market demands, and assisting both current and prospective immigrants. They complement the 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan, which seeks to increase the number of permanent residents by 550,000 by 2025, thereby enhancing Canada’s standing as a friendly country for families, businesses, and skilled workers.