Canada’s once-welcoming immigration system has undergone a dramatic shift, with a record 2.36 million temporary resident visa applications denied in 2024.
This unprecedented 50% rejection rate—up from 35% the previous year—signals a tightening of visa regulations that has impacted visitor visas, study permits, and work permits.
The policy changes, driven by concerns over population growth and resource strain, reflect the government’s commitment to reducing temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of the population by 2026.
Canada visitor visa applications faced the harshest scrutiny, with 1.95 million applications denied, marking a 54% rejection rate as officials cracked down on potential overstays.
Study permits saw a notable shift as well, with 52% of international student applications rejected following the introduction of stricter eligibility criteria, financial requirements, and a crackdown on fraudulent applications.
Work permit refusals, meanwhile, dipped slightly to 22%, reflecting a more selective approach aimed at balancing labor market needs with immigration control.
The economic impact of these policies presents both challenges and benefits.
While the reduction in temporary residents may ease housing demand and healthcare strain, it also threatens key industries that rely on international talent.
Educational institutions, which benefit from over CAD $22 billion in annual contributions from foreign students, face potential revenue losses, while businesses in sectors like healthcare and construction may struggle with labour shortages.
As Canada moves forward with its 2025-2027 immigration strategy, the long-term implications remain uncertain.
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