Canada Tightens Rules For Foreign Students and Workers; Move May Impact Indians

Ottawa: In an effort to manage the increasing number of temporary residents in the country, Canada is set to further reduce the number of study permits for international students and tighten regulations for foreign workers. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government on Wednesday, aims to address concerns about the rising population of temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers.

With a federal election due no later than October 2025, the issue has emerged as a contentious topic in Canadian politics. Trudeau’s Liberal government, trailing in public opinion polls, is under pressure to address public concerns, especially after a recent by-election loss.

Taking to X, Trudeau said his government would grant 35 per cent fewer international student permits this year, and the number would be reduced by an additional 10 per cent in 2025.

"Immigration is an advantage for our economy — but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down," he added.

Impact on Indian Temporary Workers in Canada

This move will be a setback for Indians aiming to settle or work in Canada, as Ottawa has announced a reduction in the number of temporary residents allowed into the country. In 2023, India was among the top ten countries contributing to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), with 26,495 workers. The Indian community in Canada has grown steadily, with the registered population increasing from 670,000 between 2000 and 2020 to over one million by 2020.

Key Changes to Immigration Policies

• Reduction in Study Permits: Canada will issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, down from 509,390 in 2023. In 2024, the government plans to issue 485,000 study permits, with a further reduction of 10% planned for 2025.
• Work Permit Restrictions: The government will limit work permit eligibility for spouses of certain international students and temporary foreign workers.
• Tighter Visa Controls: There will be enhanced measures to strengthen visa integrity, aiming to detect fraud and reduce non-genuine visitors.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller highlighted the government's stance on temporary residency, stating, "The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to—just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to."

Impact on Temporary Residents and the Economy

Canada has already pledged to reduce the number of temporary residents to 5% of the total population, down from 6.8% in April. Critics have linked the influx of temporary residents to societal issues such as a lack of affordable housing and increased living costs. However, immigrant advocates argue that blaming migrants oversimplifies the issue and diverts attention from more complex economic challenges.

Prime Minister Trudeau addressed concerns over potential misuse of the immigration system, particularly by those taking advantage of international students. "Immigration is an advantage for our economy," he said in a tweet. "But when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down."

Revisions to Foreign Worker Programs

The Canadian government has also made adjustments to its temporary foreign worker program. Earlier in 2024, it reversed some expansions made in 2022, including reducing the maximum percentage of low-wage temporary foreign workers in certain sectors. In communities with high unemployment rates, low-wage temporary foreign worker positions have been eliminated in specific sectors.

These changes reflect a broader effort to curb the number of temporary residents while balancing economic demands. As the federal election approaches, immigration and temporary residency will continue to be key issues in shaping public opinion and government policy.