August 2024 Canadian Immigration Updates

More LMIA changes, new immigration pathways, and British Colombia's EQA code.

What’s new in Canadian Immigration as of August 2024? 

A lot’s happened since the last time out. Here are the three biggest changes we think you should keep an eye out for:

Blayne Kumar weighs in on the recent changes to the Canadian immigration policy.

1. LMIA fraud prevention measures

The Canadian government has introduced new measures to address Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fraud, primarily within the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. 

These measures include:

• Stricter enforcement of a 20% cap on low-wage foreign workers 

• Increased inspections in high-risk areas

• Potential fee increases for LMIAs. 

Regulatory changes are also planned to scrutinize employer eligibility better and deter program misuse. These steps aim to protect Canadian and foreign workers by ensuring fair practices.

Source: Immigration News Canada

2. Canada is planning new immigration pathways for semi-skilled workers

Canada is looking to introduce a new immigration pathway for people working in jobs requiring high school education or on-the-job training. 

This includes roles like home support workers, cashiers, and retail salespeople. The goal is to fill gaps in essential industries while making it easier for these workers to gain permanent residency. The government expects this new pathway to benefit most industries that have faced challenges in hiring and retaining staff.

Source: Moving2Canada

3. British Columbia’s EQA code to cap international students enrollment at 30%

The Government of British Columbia has introduced the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) code of practice to improve standards for post-secondary institutions. 

EQA caps international student enrollment at 30% for public institutions. The code also requires institutions to meet higher requirements to be eligible to recruit international students.

New requirements include: 

• Clear and accurate marketing and promotional information

• Accountability for education agents

• Transparency in tuition fees

• Better information on student support, including academic support, well-being, and health services.

We love the part about accountability for education agents. It’s about time most of those folks were reined in. 

Source: Eduera

How can we help you? 

It’s crucial to stay updated on IRCC’s changes and seek expert advice on how to best navigate any new policies. 

This is why we created IMMPROVED, a comprehensive platform to keep you informed about the latest immigration updates, provide personalized guidance, and assist with the complexities of the immigration process. That way, you can stay on track with your goals.