As we embark on a new year, Canada’s immigration landscape continues to evolve, introducing significant changes that impact foreign workers, international students, and family immigration. These updates, critical for travelers and potential migrants, showcase Canada’s commitment to adapting its policies to the changing global context.
For Foreign Workers
In a major development, the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program is undergoing significant changes. Beginning January 1, 2024, employers are required to annually review the wages of temporary foreign workers, ensuring they match prevailing wage rates for the occupation and location in Canada. This is a critical step towards addressing wage suppression and safeguarding the rights of foreign workers in Canada. Moreover, other measures, including a maximum employment term of two years for low-paying jobs and a 12-month validity period for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), have been extended to August 30, 2024. These measures are part of Canada’s broader strategy to balance the needs of the labor market with the protection of foreign workers’ rights.
For International Students
International students planning to study in Canada should take note of several important updates. First and foremost, starting January 1, 2024, the financial preparedness requirement for study permit applicants will double from $10,000 to $20,635. This increase is to ensure that international students are better equipped to handle the cost of living in Canada. Additionally, IRCC is considering a cap on international student intake for Fall 2024 to ensure educational institutions can adequately support students in terms of housing and academic services. Moreover, the extension of the 20-hour-per-week work limit exemption until April 30, 2024, is a welcome development, potentially allowing international students to work up to 30 hours per week off-campus. This change is indicative of Canada’s understanding of students’ financial challenges and the value of work experience in their educational journey. Another significant update is the extension of distance learning measures, allowing international students to count time spent in online education towards a future post-graduation work permit for programs starting before September 1, 2024.
For Family Immigration
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) will see an increase in admission spaces in 2024, growing to 32,000 from 28,500 in 2023. This expansion reflects Canada’s commitment to family reunification and is contingent on IRCC’s ability to enhance intake management and application processing.
