In a bid to improve its immigration system further, Canada is continuously applying new changes that foreign nationals should be aware of.
Arguing that newcomers are instrumental in driving economic growth, the country previously introduced its 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, aiming to welcome about 550,000 new permanent residents by 2025, VisaGuide.World reports.
However, in spite of opening its doors to a large number of internationals, people who plan to travel to Canada should carefully follow the immigration changes and visa requirements depending on their travel purpose.
Suspension of Processing Study Permits for Educational Institutions Failing to Track Foreign Students
To halt the surge in the number of foreign students misusing their permits to live and study in this country, in July this year, Canada’s government decided to stop processing study permits that fail to track foreign students’ enrollment.
Announcing the new changes, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that colleges and universities would be required to report to the Federal Immigration Department regarding students’ attendance and compliance with study permit requirements.
The new changes mean that students are required to apply for a new study permit whenever they switch schools and must do so before starting their new program.
Canada Prolongs Work Visa Option for Israel Nationals Until 2025
In June this year, the government of Canada announced that it decided to prolong its work visa options for nationals of Israel until July 31, 2025, amid the Israel-Hamas war.
The initiative was opened in February 2024, permitting Israelis to apply for work visas amid the Israel-Hamas war and was set to last until June this year. However, the government decided to extend this initiative for an additional year.
This extension provides an opportunity for Israeli citizens to continue contributing to Canada’s economy and society during this challenging time.
End of Post-Graduate Work Permits for Foreigners at Port of Entry
In June this year, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, said that foreign nationals are no longer permitted to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the Canadian border.
The new changes were introduced in a bid to reduce “flagpoling” which occurs when temporary Canadian residents avoid normal wait time when applying for a work or study permit online, by leaving the country and immediately reentering within 24 hours in order to receive the same-day immigration services at the border.
Flagpoling uses significant resources at the border, taking officers away from enforcement activities, causing delays for travelers and slowing down the movement of goods.
Permanent Residence for Foreign Caregivers
In June this year, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, announced two new pilot programs that provide eligible caregivers with permanent residence upon their arrival.
The two new pilot programs make it easier for foreign caregivers to find jobs in Canada and obtain resident status upon their arrival in this country.
The new pilot programs aim to help Canada’s immigration objectives, which include admitting more than 15,000 caregivers and granting them permanent residency as part of the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan.
Extension of Citizenship by Descent Beyond First-Generation
In May this year, Canada’s government presented a new legislation through which citizenship by descent would be extended beyond the first generation.
Announcing the new changes, Minister Miller said that the plan has been introduced in a way that is inclusive and protects the value of Canadian citizenship.
Through a statement, the government announced that Bill C-71 will restore citizenship to all remaining “Lost Canadians” , their descendants and all those who were born abroad to a Canadian parent in their second or subsequent generations before the legislation becomes effective.
“Lost Canadians” describes persons who lost or never acquired citizenship in Canada due to specific outdated provisions of former citizenship legislation.
Super Visa Invitations for Parents & Grandparents Program Issued From May
Canada’s government announced that it started issuing Super Visa invitations to about 35,700 potential sponsoring parents who submitted their requests as early as 2020 to join their children in Canada. The invitations started to be issued on May 21, 2024.
Through a statement, the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the selection procedure would last for two weeks.
The Parents and Grandparents Program of Canada allows citizens of Canada and permanent residents outside Quebec to sponsor their parents and grandparents, helping them to become residents of Canada.
Reduced Wait Times for Start-up & Self-Employed Visas
From April 30, 2024, Canada applied new changes that would facilitate Canada’s federal immigration programs.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that these changes aim to reduce processing times, while also addressing the application backlog.
Among the changes was the enhancement of the Start-Up Visa Program, which made it easier for innovative entrepreneurs to come to Canada.
Permission for International Students to Work 24 Hours per Week
In a bid to address labor shortages and support foreign students, Immigration Minister of Canada Marc Miller announced several new changes that would also positively contribute to the country’s economy after being significantly affected by the COVID-19 situation.
In April this year, IRCC announced that starting in September, foreign students in Canada would be allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week, which marks an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours.
Students who come to Canada must be here to study. As such, allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week will ensure they focus primarily on their studies while having the option to work if necessary. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
In this regard, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that more than 80 per cent of foreign students in Canada are working more than 20 hours a week at present.