December 12th, 2024 at 05:36 am

5 Million Temporary Permits Set to Expire in Canada | Visa Options and Next Steps

Canada is introducing significant changes in immigration policy, which are anticipated to affect millions of temporary visa holders. Immigration Minister Marc Miller recently spoke on these developments, clarifying the government’s approach to expiring temporary permits and the management of future immigration levels.

Five million temporary permits will expire by 2025

By the end of 2025, nearly five million temporary permits in Canada are scheduled to expire. Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated to the Commons immigration committee that officials anticipate that the majority of permit holders will depart voluntarily. The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is set to enforce immigration laws for individuals who exceed their permitted stay.

Essential Figures:

• 4.9 million temporary permits are set to expire.
• 766,000 study permits to expire by December 2025.

Options for Students and Workers

International students whose permits are nearing expiration have various options available to prolong their time in Canada. They have the option to renew their study permits, apply for post-graduate work permits (PGWP), or consider employer-sponsored work visas. These choices allow individuals to acquire significant experience, support the economy, and possibly move toward permanent residency.

• Study Permit Renewal: Students have the opportunity to apply for the renewal of their study permits, enabling them to persist in their educational pursuits.
• Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP): Graduates have the opportunity to move into a PGWP, providing essential Canadian work experience and paving the way for permanent residency.
• Employer-Sponsored Work Permits: Temporary workers can pursue employer sponsorship for work permits, which secures ongoing employment in sectors with high demand.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Certain provinces provide nomination pathways for skilled graduates and workers, improving their opportunities for permanent residency.
• Express Entry: Skilled workers and graduates have the opportunity to engage with Express Entry programs, which favour candidates possessing Canadian education and work experience.

Through the utilization of these options, students and workers can play a role in enhancing Canada’s economy while aiming for long-term residency objectives.

Significant Changes in Immigration Policy

In light of increasing pressure and infrastructure issues, the Canadian government has announced substantial reductions to immigration targets for the upcoming three years. The new policy introduced by the Trudeau administration seeks to moderate population growth, allowing infrastructure to keep pace.

Key Features of the Immigration Cap:

• Permanent Residents: The annual target will be reduced from 500,000 to 395,000 by 2025, representing a 21% decrease.
• Temporary Workers and Students: A 40% decrease in temporary foreign workers is anticipated by 2026, alongside a 10% decline in the number of international students.

What is the Reason for the Changes?

Canada is experiencing rapid population growth due to a significant increase in immigration, which has put pressure on housing, healthcare, and social services. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the importance of aligning economic growth with infrastructure capacity.

Implications for the Economy and Society

Temporary foreign workers have been essential to Canada’s labour market. Nonetheless, in light of the post-pandemic surge in immigration, communities are facing challenges in managing the influx. The government’s new policy seeks to alleviate pressure by reducing demand for essential services.

The Implications for Travelers

For travelers and individuals pursuing temporary permits, Canada’s heightened immigration targets could render entry more competitive. Individuals intending to study or work in Canada ought to remain informed about updates regarding permit renewals and emerging pathways for long-term residency.

What will Canada do with 4.9 million Temporary Visas?

Conservative MP Tom Kmiec questioned the government’s ability to manage the 4.9 million temporary visa holders whose permits are expiring. “How will the government ensure these individuals leave the country if required?” Kmiec asks. Miller said the CBSA enforces immigration regulations and many are likely to leave voluntarily.

Kmiec also asked if the CBSA will track 766,000 study permits expiring by December 2025. Miller said, “Some students will renew their permits or apply for post-graduate work permits, which provide options for extending their stay.” Canadian media National Post posted the exchange’s footage.

Foreign Temporary Worker Statistics

Statistics Canada statistical highlights:

Work permits are part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program (IMP), albeit certain IMP permits are not work-related.

Employment income was reported by 87% of TFWP and 69% of IMP permit holders in 2021. Among non-permanent residents, 58% with work and study visas were employed, while 34% with solely study permits were working. In 2021, 42% of temporary workers were permit holders for non-work purposes, mostly overseas students.

Indians are a major immigration group in Canada. Indians made up 27% of new permanent residents in 2022. Specific data on the number of Indian temporary foreign workers is unavailable.

Mass Visa Expirations Loom

Canada is currently experiencing a significant visa expiration crisis, as around 4.9 million temporary visa holders are poised to lose their residency status by the conclusion of 2025.  The Canadian government anticipates that the majority of these individuals will depart voluntarily; however, there are ongoing concerns regarding the country’s capacity to handle the situation effectively.

The expiring visas encompass study permits, work permits, and asylum claims, leaving numerous holders uncertain about their future in Canada. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is actively enforcing immigration laws; however, there are concerns regarding the government’s readiness to manage the situation.

The Canadian government has introduced new immigration policies that will reduce the intake of temporary residents over the next three years. The modifications aim to ease the strain on infrastructure and social services; however, detractors contend that they might not sufficiently tackle the intricate challenges related to immigration.

Living in Canada 

Canada has one of the world’s largest economies and a low cost of living, thus many live and work there.

Canada has the world’s longest coastline, Niagara Falls, the Rocky Mountains, maple syrup, and ice hockey. Did you know that the second-largest country in the world has a low crime rate and is often rated one of the most pleasant places to live?

Another lure for expatriates is that English is the main language (Quebec speaks French). Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton, Oakville, and St. Albert are popular Canadian job locations.

Combining this with its pleasant, inclusive people makes Canada even more desirable.

In Conclusion

As Canada adjusts its immigration system, travelers and temporary residents are required to navigate a more constrained environment. Being aware of permit renewals and alternative pathways will be essential in the years ahead. Through meticulous planning, international students and workers can discover opportunities to reside and work in Canada, even amidst the changing environment.

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