Top 5 Canada's Changes to Canadian Immigration Policy in 2024

1. Introducing the Innovation Stream Employer-Specific Work Permit

In March 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) unveiled a new work permit pathway called the "Innovation Stream." This initiative is part of Canada’s broader Tech Talent Strategy, which aims to solidify the country's position as a global leader in attracting top tech talent.

Key Highlights:

• Eligibility: Applicants with a job offer in a highly skilled occupation from an employer participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) can apply for this LMIA-exempt work permit.
• TEER Categories: If your job offer falls under TEER categories 0 or 1, you'll benefit from faster processing times.
• Permit Duration: Work permits under this program can be issued for up to five years and are employer-specific, meaning you’ll only be authorized to work for the employer listed on your permit.

This program offers a unique opportunity for tech professionals to make their mark in Canada’s booming tech industry, with a pathway that's as smooth as maple syrup.

2. Prioritizing Francophone Immigration

Continuing its commitment to boosting Francophone immigration, IRCC launched its Policy on Francophone Immigration in January 2024. This policy is a significant step towards fostering the growth and development of minority language communities across Canada.

What to Expect:

• Five-Year Plan: The policy includes a five-year implementation plan that sets ambitious immigration targets for French-speaking permanent residents.
• Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Expect increased collaboration between various stakeholders to promote and integrate Francophone communities both within Canada and internationally.
• Admission Targets: For 2024, IRCC aims to accept 26,100 applications from French-speaking individuals applying for permanent residence outside of Quebec.

This policy builds on previous initiatives, such as the language-based draws in the Express Entry system and the Francophone Mobility Program, which was expanded last year. If you're a Francophone looking to call Canada home, now's the time to get your paperwork in order!

3. Changes to the International Student Program

Canada has always been a top destination for international students, but starting January 2024, IRCC introduced several significant changes to ensure the sustainability of the program.

Notable Changes:

• Intake Cap: A maximum of 360,000 international students will be accepted in 2024. This cap will be enforced through the requirement of a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) that most students must submit with their study permit applications.
• Open Work Permits: Spouses of international students will now only be eligible for open work permits if the student is enrolled in a Master's, Doctoral, or certain professional degree programs.
• Proof-of-Funds: Financial eligibility requirements have increased, with the proof-of-funds threshold doubling from $10,000 to $20,635.
• Work Restrictions: The pre-COVID policy limiting off-campus work hours has been reinstated. Starting Fall 2024, students can work a maximum of 24 hours per week off-campus.
• Post-Graduation Work Permits: Students enrolled in programs part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits.

For international students, these changes mean tighter controls and more stringent requirements, but Canada still remains a top destination for quality education and valuable work experience.

4. Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program

For those looking to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada, there's some good news. In 2024, IRCC plans to invite 35,700 applicants from the parent and grandparent PR pool to sponsor their loved ones for Canadian permanent residency.

How It Works:

• Random Selection: Sponsors will be randomly selected from the pool of applicants who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020.
• Application Deadline: If invited, sponsors will have a specific deadline by which their sponsorship applications must be received by IRCC.
• Invitation Issuance: Invitations to sponsor began rolling out on May 21, 2024.

This program is a golden opportunity for families looking to reunite in Canada, so if you’ve been waiting for your chance, keep an eye on your inbox!

5. Changes to Low-Wage LMIA Processing

As of September 26, 2024, the Canadian government will pause the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for the Low-Wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in certain census metropolitan areas (CMAs).

What's Changing:

• Unemployment Rate: LMIAs for the Low-Wage stream won't be processed in CMAs where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher.
• Government’s Goal: This move is part of a broader effort to prioritize Canadian workers and address concerns about the misuse of the TFWP.
• Impact: If you’re an employer in an affected CMA, you'll need to explore other avenues for filling your labour needs.

For more details on this change, check out our previous blog post.

Final Remarks

Canadian immigration policies are always evolving, shaped by economic conditions, global events, and the government's vision for the future. Whether you’re an aspiring immigrant, an employer, or someone already in Canada, staying informed is key to navigating these changes successfully.

Want to keep up with the latest updates? Subscribe to our blog for regular posts on everything you need to know about Canadian immigration. After all, the early bird gets the worm—or in this case, the visa!