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Canada has been ranked as the fourth most desirable nation globally

According to the 2024 US News ” Best Countries ” report, Canada has been ranked as the fourth-best country in the world, dropping from its second-place position in 2023. The annual ranking, which evaluates 89 countries based on factors such as quality of life, agility, social purpose, and economic stability, saw Canada maintain its reputation as a global leader despite the slight decline. The survey, which gathered responses from nearly 17,000 people worldwide, highlights Canada’s continued excellence in areas such as inclusivity, friendliness, and safety. 

Despite the slip in the overall ranking, Canada secured impressive positions in various sub-categories. The country ranked fifth in quality of life, sixth in entrepreneurship, and third in social purpose. Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism, universal healthcare, and environmental stewardship continues to be key factors in its high global standing. The nation’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances, evidenced by its second-place ranking in agility, further cements its position as a desirable destination for immigrants and a significant player on the world stage.

Canada announces further reductions in international student intake for 2025 

Canada has announced a 10% reduction in international student study permits for 2025 to address labour market challenges and manage temporary resident volumes. Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed that the new cap will limit study permits to 437,000, down from the 2024 target of 485,000. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to balance the country’s immigration system and respond to evolving economic pressures. 

The government is also implementing changes to work permit eligibility for international students and their spouses. These modifications include limiting work permit access for spouses of master’s degree students to programs lasting at least 16 months and restricting eligibility for spouses of foreign workers to those in management, professional roles, or sectors with labour shortages. Additionally, Canada is strengthening its asylum system to address the growing number of claims, including partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals and improved claims processing measures. 

Canada’s international student enrollment faces a sharp decline 

According to a recent ApplyBoard mid-year data analysis, Canada’s international student enrollment is projected to plummet by nearly 50% in 2024. This dramatic shift comes in the wake of the Canadian government’s implementation of policies aimed at achieving “zero growth” in international student numbers. The impact of these measures appears to be far more severe than initially anticipated, with ApplyBoard forecasting a 47% decline in study permit approvals, significantly surpassing the government’s original target of a 35% reduction. 

The repercussions of these new policies extend beyond the programs directly affected by the cap. Even cap-exempt post-secondary programs, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, are experiencing substantial application drops. This trend suggests a broader impact on Canada’s reputation as a study destination. The decline is particularly pronounced in key markets, with approved study permits for Indian students halved and even steeper reductions observed for students from Nepal, Nigeria, and the Philippines. As a result, many prospective international students are now exploring alternative destinations for their education, potentially reshaping the global landscape of international higher education. 

The Start-Up Visa program welcomes over 700 new permanent residents 

Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) program experienced a significant boost in July 2024, with 720 immigrant entrepreneurs granted permanent residence. This marks a 27.4% increase from June, bringing the total for the first seven months of 2024 to 3,745 new permanent residents under the SUV program. The surge represents a staggering 688.4% increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the program’s growing popularity among international entrepreneurs. 

British Columbia led the charge with a 59% spike in SUV immigrants, welcoming 310 new permanent residents in July alone. This nearly matched Ontario’s 345 new arrivals, despite the latter being Canada’s most populous province. If the current trend continues, Canada could see up to 6,420 new permanent residents through the SUV program by the end of 2024, a 339.7% increase from the previous year. This remarkable growth demonstrates the program’s resilience and appeal, having rebounded strongly from the pandemic-induced slowdown in 2020. 

Alberta experiences unprecedented population growth fueled by immigration 

According to recent data from the government’s Office of Statistics and Information, Alberta has experienced unprecedented population growth, with a staggering 4.41% increase from April 2023 to April 2024. This remarkable surge, which added 204,677 new residents, outpaces the national average of 3.20% and represents the province’s fastest growth since 1981. The boom is primarily attributed to international immigration, with Alberta welcoming 32,893 net new residents in early 2024 alone, including various permit holders and asylum claimants. 

The province’s appeal extends beyond international borders, attracting Canadians from other regions. Strong interprovincial migration has seen an influx of residents relocating from provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba. This combination of international and domestic migration has solidified Alberta’s position as the fastest-growing province in Canada, reflecting its economic opportunities and quality of life.

Spousal sponsorship immigration to Canada shows a decline in 2024 

Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals a downward trend in spousal sponsorship immigration to Canada in 2024. Despite a rebound in July with 6,170 new permanent residents, an 8.3% increase from June, the overall numbers for the first seven months of the year are significantly lower than the previous year. The total of 40,700 new permanent residents through this program represents an 18.6% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. 

Ontario continues to lead in spousal sponsorship arrivals, welcoming 20,395 new residents in the first seven months of 2024. Other provinces and territories have also seen varying immigration levels through this program, with British Columbia and Alberta following Ontario in popularity. Based on current trends, Canada is projected to receive approximately 69,891 new permanent residents through spousal sponsorships this year, a 7.1% decrease from 2023. Despite these fluctuations, the program remains an important pathway for family reunification in Canada.

Canada considers reducing High Wage Stream work permits 

The Canadian government is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), with potential reductions in work permits issued through the High Wage Stream. This review, announced on September 18, 2024, comes on the heels of recently imposed limitations on the Low Wage Stream. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) stated that the 90-day review could lead to significant changes in various aspects of the program, including Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications and sectoral exceptions. 

Simultaneously, the government has provided more details on the Low Wage Stream restrictions set to take effect on September 26. These include a nationwide 10% employer cap on temporary foreign workers, with exceptions for the healthcare, construction, and food processing sectors. Additionally, Low Wage LMIAs will not be processed in areas with unemployment rates exceeding 6%. These changes aim to prioritize Canadian workers and ensure the program meets the economy’s needs, reflecting a shift in public sentiment amid rising unemployment rates.

Abramovich Immigration Law provides expert guidance through the complex Canadian immigration process. Our seasoned professionals assist clients in navigating diverse immigration pathways, including skilled worker programs, family sponsorship, and business immigration. We offer personalized support, carefully addressing each client’s specific needs throughout the application journey. Contact us for additional information or to schedule a consultation.