Canada is gearing up for a sweeping shift in its immigration policy as nearly five million temporary permits are set to expire by the end of 2025. Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed this during a Commons immigration committee session, highlighting how the government plans to address the transition.
Miller revealed that 4.9 million temporary visas, including 766,000 study permits, are due to expire by December 2025. While the majority of permit holders are expected to leave voluntarily, Miller assured that the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) would enforce immigration laws for those who overstay. However, specifics on managing the expiration were not extensively detailed.
To ease pressure on Canada’s overstretched infrastructure and social services, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration has announced significant adjustments to its immigration levels plan. The number of permanent residents will be reduced by 21%, dropping from the original target of 500,000 to 395,000 by 2025.
Temporary foreign workers and international students will also face reductions. Admissions for temporary foreign workers are expected to fall by over 40% by 2026, while international student entries will decrease by 10%.
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Trudeau emphasized the need for a balanced approach, citing the strain that rapid population growth has placed on housing, healthcare, and social systems. “While temporary foreign workers are integral to our workforce, the pace of immigration has exceeded the capacity of our communities to accommodate them,” he stated.
The recalibrated policy aims to align workforce demands with infrastructure capabilities, allowing Canada to address critical housing shortages and improve social services while maintaining a moderate immigration program.
The decision comes at a time when Canada is grappling with post-pandemic recovery, balancing the need for skilled workers with the realities of limited resources. Conservative MP Tom Kmiec raised concerns about the lack of detailed plans to manage the impending permit expirations, pushing for greater transparency from the government.
This recalibration marks a turning point in Canada’s immigration strategy, with its long-term success dependent on how effectively the country can address infrastructure challenges while sustaining economic growth
