Government Makes Drastic Changes to Various Immigration Policies

This month we’ve seen a record number of changes in the realm of Canadian immigration. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:

Visitors inside Canada

On August 28, 2024, the temporary public policy allowing visitors to apply for a work permit from within Canada ended earlier than the anticipated February 28, 2025 originally stated. According to IRCC, this is being done in an effort to "recalibrate" the number of temporary residents and preserve the integrity of the immigration system.

This particular policy, when announced, caused confusion amongst many visitors as most believed simply by holding visitor status would allow them receive a work permit. In reality, this meant their applications would simply be processed inside Canada versus outside.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Beginning September 26, 2024, IRCC has announced it will refuse to process Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the Low-Wage stream and applicable in census metropolitan areas (CMA)with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. CMA are cities and/or towns with 100k people or more.

IRCC has indicated exceptions will be granted for seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in food security sectors (primary agriculture, food processing and fish processing), as well as construction and healthcare.

Employers will be allowed to hire no more than 10% of their total workforce through the TFW Program. This maximum employment percentage will be applied to the Low-Wage stream and is a further reduction from the March 2024 reduction. Exceptions will be granted for seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in food security sectors (primary agriculture, food processing and fish processing), as well as healthcare and construction.

The maximum duration of employment for workers hired through the Low-Wage stream will be reduced to one year (from two years generally and even three years in certain cases).

There are several types of LMIAs and for now, these changes only impact those in the Low Wage stream for now.

More changes coming

Immigration Minister Marc Miller also hinted at possibly reducing the immigration levels plan previously announced last fall.

"We're looking at the various streams to make sure that as we move forward, Canada remains a place that is positive in its support for immigration, but also responsible in the way we integrate and make sure there's pathways to success for everyone who comes to Canada," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Halifax on Monday.

It remains to be seen what those changes will entail though and to what degree it will impact the current levels plan and those with sights set on Canada.