In a recent interview with Reuters, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller discussed upcoming measures to limit non-permanent resident levels in Canada, focusing on those on study or work permits. Miller hinted at significant changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) and enforcement.
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Potential Changes to the PGWP
In June, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sought feedback from post-secondary education stakeholders about potential PGWP changes. According to the Deputy Minister Transition Binder 2024, the IRCC is considering aligning PGWPs with labor market needs, granting work permits primarily to students entering occupations in shortage areas. This would reduce access for graduates from other programs.
The IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) have mapped educational programs (as per the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP)) with job titles (as categorized by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system). For instance, relevant NOCs for “carpenters” are connected to studies in construction trades, carpentry, and woodworking.
Part of a Wider Plan
Earlier this year, the IRCC announced the first-ever target for non-permanent resident (NPR) levels, aiming to stabilize the proportion of NPRs in the Canadian population to five percent over the next three years. As of last April, NPRs constituted nearly seven percent of the total population.
To achieve this, the IRCC has implemented a two-year cap on international students, limiting new post-secondary students to 292,000 this year. This cap will be reconsidered in 2025, potentially adjusting international student levels.
Minister Miller also plans to increase “domestic draws” for federal and provincial permanent residence (PR) pathways. This approach would prioritize current temporary residents (TRs) for PR draws, reducing the influx of new PRs from abroad, addressing housing and affordability issues linked to immigration.
Increased Scrutiny on Immigration
These measures come as Canadians scrutinize immigration more than ever. In the Reuters interview, Miller stated, “[Immigration will be] a top issue, if not the top issue, in the next election.”
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