October 2024 Canadian Immigration Updates
Another set of LMIA changes, changes to study permits, and program-specific PGWPs.
Apologies, September was a doozy. Life happened. But we are back.
Canadian immigration has been on the news a lot recently. Here are the four most significant changes we think have come through and Blayne’s take on each of them:
1. Saskatchewan introduces two new immigration streams for Agriculture and Healthcare workers
The Government of Saskatchewan has announced two new talent pathways under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) to strengthen the workforce in agriculture and healthcare.
The Agriculture Talent pathway aims to attract skilled workers to support the province’s vital agricultural sector, enhancing productivity and innovation.
Meanwhile, the Healthcare Talent pathway will streamline immigration and credential recognition for internationally trained healthcare professionals, improving recruitment efforts and residents' access to services. These initiatives address Saskatchewan's labor market needs and fill the critical shortages in these key sectors.
Blayne Kumar: These changes are more of a rearrangement and adjustment from other programs rather than significant changes. Nonetheless, there are still new considerations and a further commitment from PNPs to do their best and target what is needed for their region.
2. Canada to stop processing low-wage LMIAs in some cities
This policy change kicked in on September 26th. Canada no longer processes LMIAs for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program’s low-wage stream in any census metropolitan area if the unemployment rate is 6% or higher.
Specific cities affected have yet to be announced, but exceptions apply for seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in food security sectors, construction, and healthcare.
Employers are limited to hiring at most 10% of their workforce through the TFWP, and the maximum employment duration for low-wage workers is reduced from two years to one.
This ensures local workers get priority while addressing severe labor shortages in industries.
Blayne Kumar: Nothing surprising here. These moves create hard-hitting headlines, which align with the government's goals to tighten immigration, especially ahead of an election. It clamps down on those LMIAs for sale (a terrible practice). It also makes it harder for employers to retain employees and, more importantly, harder for those working at organizations to obtain the much-needed 50 points.
3. Reduced study permits for international students
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, reflecting a 10% decrease from the previous year.
New requirements include a Provincial Attestation Letter for Master's and PhD students. These adjustments will result in 175,000 fewer PGWPs issued over the next three years. Additionally, work permit eligibility will be limited to spouses of Master's students enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months.
Blayne Kumar: We expect more developments as the IRCC tightens the number of international students Canada takes in. These admission requirements will be stricter, which is why you should always put in a strong study permit application.
4. Program-specific PGWP as of November 1st
As expected, the requirements for the PGWP have tightened.
For those in bachelor's, master's, or doctorate programs, the main concern is meeting the language requirement of CLB 7. For those in other programs offered by universities or public colleges, you must ensure that your program falls under one of the accepted categories.
A list of these programs can be found here. The overarching fields are healthcare, STEM, trades, transportation, and agriculture. In addition to graduating from specific programs, you’ll also require a CLB 5 in your language test.
Blayne Kumar: These changes were expected, but it is not easy to see this happen. My heart goes out to students currently enrolled in programs that may not qualify and have already started their programs. Many might be scrambling, but please speak to an expert before making any drastic decisions.
How can international students improve their chances of transitioning from a PGWP to PR?
IMMPROVED provides tailored advice and support to help you understand the best strategies for gaining work experience, applying for PNPs, and meeting PR requirements.
It also keeps you informed about the latest immigration updates, provides personalized guidance, and assists with the complexities of immigration procedures so you can stay on track with your goals.