Abramovich Immigration Law presents a weekly news review with key updates on Canadian immigration. Stay informed and updated with us, and contact us for professional support.

Canada Experiences A Rise In Temporary Foreign Worker Approvals 

Recent data from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reveals a significant rise in the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) approved to work in Canada. In 2023, employers were authorized to hire nearly 240,000 TFWs, more than double the 108,988 approved in 2018. This trend, except for a dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has shown consistent growth since 2016. This increase in TFW approvals highlights employers’ ongoing challenges in finding local talent to meet their needs. 

Experts attribute this surge to several factors, including Canada’s aging population and the increasing demand for specialized skills that are scarce within the local labour market. The number of TFW approvals has risen across various industries, with significant increases in sectors like healthcare, food services, and construction. For instance, approvals for nurse aides and patient service associates skyrocketed from 16 in 2018 to 2,514 in 2023, a 15,613% increase. This trend underscores the growing reliance on TFWs to address labour shortages in Canada.

Caps On Study Permits Boost International Student Numbers From Smaller Countries

Canada’s decision to impose caps on study permit applications has increased the significance of smaller countries as sources of international students. In the first five months of this year, nations like Columbia, South Korea, Vietnam, Ghana, and Nepal have climbed the rankings as major contributors to Canada’s international student population. Despite these changes, India remains the largest source, with 278,335 new permits issued last year, followed by China, Nigeria, and the Philippines. 

The cap aims to mitigate the influx of international students by reducing the number of approved applications by 40%, targeting a total of 292,000 approved permits by the end of the year. This move is expected to balance the demographics of international students, giving smaller countries a more significant role in Canada’s educational landscape. This shift will also lead to a more diverse student body, enriching the cultural experiences on Canadian campuses and fostering a global learning environment.

Canadian Provinces Compete To Attract And Retain Skilled Immigrants 

In the face of widespread labour shortages, the competition to attract and retain skilled immigrants is not just a global issue but also an interprovincial one within Canada. While Quebec initially gained increased powers over immigration, other provinces soon followed, leveraging bilateral agreements with the federal government to exercise significant control, especially over economic immigration. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has become a key tool, allowing provinces to select a large portion of their skilled immigrants directly. Despite these efforts, retaining these immigrants remains challenging due to their freedom of movement under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

Data collected between 2005 and 2022 highlight varying retention rates among provinces. British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta lead with 86%, 85%, and 83% retention rates, respectively, while some Atlantic provinces struggle, retaining as low as 31%. To improve retention, provinces have adopted specific selection criteria, favouring applicants with local family, professional, or educational ties. They also require proof of intent to settle permanently, detailed settlement plans, and excluding those with ties to other provinces. These strategies aim to attract skilled workers and those committed to staying long-term, though their long-term effectiveness remains to be seen. 

International Student Spending In Canada Reaches New Heights 

A recent economic impact analysis reveals that international student spending in Canada for 2022 amounted to CDN$37.3 billion, covering tuition, accommodation, and discretionary items. This spending significantly contributed to the country’s GDP, with an estimated impact of CDN$30.9 billion. This figure represents nearly a quarter of Canada’s service exports for the year, highlighting education as one of the nation’s top export sectors. According to Global Affairs Canada (GAC), international student expenditures were equivalent to about 4.8% of the total value of Canada’s merchandise exports. 

The report also noted that international student spending in 2022 supported approximately 361,230 jobs in Canada, translating to 246,310 full-time equivalent positions. Over the past two decades, the number of study permit holders in Canada has increased more than sixfold, with Ontario hosting just over half of all international students in the country. Significant growth in student numbers was observed from top source countries like India, the Philippines, and Nigeria. The economic impact of international students has expanded rapidly, with overall spending doubling from CDN$15.5 billion in 2016 to CDN$37.3 billion in 2022. 

Nova Scotia Expands Healthcare Immigration Pathway 

International students enrolled in Nova Scotia healthcare programs now have a new opportunity to build their future in the province. The International Graduates in Demand stream of Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program has been expanded to include paramedics and pharmacy technicians. This addition supports the province’s efforts to recruit more healthcare professionals. Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson emphasized the importance of these roles, highlighting the need for more paramedics and pharmacy technicians to strengthen the healthcare system. The immigration stream allows graduates to apply for work permits and permanent residency before gaining work experience. 

The stream, which was already available to nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates, continuing care assistants, and early childhood educators, is now open to qualified paramedics and pharmacy technicians. Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, noted the benefits of retaining international students in Nova Scotia to fill critical labour needs. Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education, hopes this expansion will attract more international students to the province. The program’s expansion aims to address the shortage of healthcare professionals and ensure better access to services across Nova Scotia. 

Canadian Premiers Call For Federal Support To Address Refugee Influx 

Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador are prepared to accept more refugees to alleviate the pressure on Quebec, provided the federal government increases funding. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the need for federal financial resources to address housing, healthcare, and social needs. Similarly, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey expressed willingness to accommodate more refugees with appropriate federal support. 

Premiers and territorial leaders met in Halifax to discuss the distribution of asylum seekers and federal assistance. They emphasized the need for flexible housing funding to address local needs and called on the federal government to expedite the assessment of asylum seekers. They also urged a fair distribution of asylum seekers across provinces and territories, with adequate federal funding to support housing and services. 

Canadians, Including Immigrants, Urge The Government To Pause Immigration Temporarily 

Canadians, including the immigrant community, urge the government to pause immigration temporarily. The Liberal government’s tenure has seen a significant rise in immigration levels, from 271,000 in 2015 to a projected 500,000 by 2025. Temporary residents, such as international students and workers, have surged to 2.8 million in early 2024, making up over 6.8% of the population. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted that the influx is beyond what Canada can handle, emphasizing the need to reduce these numbers. 

Immigration Minister Marc Miller noted that permanent residency should not be guaranteed for international students, suggesting they might return home with their new skills. For the first time, an annual immigration levels plan for temporary residents will be announced in November 2024. Despite the necessity of immigration for growth, the federal government has been criticized for relying on outdated data and not taking timely action. Reducing immigration could help alleviate economic pressures and provide better opportunities for both new and existing residents.

Abramovich Immigration Law specializes in helping individuals successfully navigate the complexities of immigrating to Canada. Our immigration lawyers provide expert guidance and personalized support, ensuring every client can confidently start their new life in Canada. Trust us to handle your immigration process with professionalism and care.