Abramovich Immigration Law presents comprehensive weekly analysis and detailed breakdowns of Canadian immigration policy changes in a clear, accessible format designed for both professionals and individuals. Follow us for essential updates, practical insights, and thorough explanations of evolving immigration laws and policies.

Canada’s immigration numbers set to break records in 2024

Canada is poised to welcome an unprecedented number of new permanent residents in 2024, with projections indicating between 475,000 to 500,000 newcomers. This forecast is based on the country’s current immigration rate, which has averaged 40,802 new permanent residents monthly throughout 2024. The surge represents a significant 7.3% year-over-year growth from 2023’s total of 465,900 permanent residents.

Ontario leads the provincial immigration statistics with a projected total exceeding 200,000 newcomers for 2024, followed by British Columbia and Alberta with 75,000 and 56,430 new permanent residents, respectively. However, this record-breaking immigration wave comes with challenges as major cities grapple with housing affordability and employment opportunities. The government’s strategy emphasizes economic immigration, which accounts for 68% of all newcomers, while family sponsorship and humanitarian categories make up the remaining portions.

The Government of Canada ended the ‘flagpoling’ practice

The Canadian Government has implemented a notable modification to its immigration procedures, ending the practice of ‘flagpoling’ – a process whereby temporary residents temporarily exit and return to Canada to access immigration services at border points. Effective December 23, 2024, this practice will cease for work and study permit processing. The modification has been instituted to enhance operational efficiency at border crossings and allocate resources more effectively toward essential enforcement measures.

This policy change follows the processing of more than 69,300 flagpoling cases across Canada during the fiscal year 2023-2024, with the highest volumes recorded in the Pacific, Southern Ontario, and Quebec regions. In accordance with the new regulations, the majority of temporary residents are required to process their applications directly through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), with select exceptions granted to U.S. citizens and professionals operating under established free trade agreements.

The Immigration Minister eliminated job offer points for Express Entry 

Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the elimination of additional points for job offers in the Express Entry system, effective spring 2025. This strategic change aims to curtail the illegal trading of labour market impact assessments, which some candidates have exploited to enhance their chances of permanent residency selection. The reform, while not affecting previously invited applicants or those with applications in progress, will impact both new and existing candidates in the Express Entry pool.

Minister Miller emphasized that this temporary measure aligns with Canada’s commitment to maintaining a fair immigration system while continuing to attract skilled talent crucial for economic growth. The government asserts that these changes will help preserve the integrity of Canada’s immigration processes without compromising its ability to welcome qualified newcomers. The decision has sparked discussions within the immigration community, with some experts suggesting alternative methods to prevent fraud while maintaining incentives for employers.

Ottawa announced revised immigration targets for the Start-Up Visa program

Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) program is undergoing substantial changes for 2025. The Federal Business stream’s immigration targets have been dramatically reduced from 5,000 in 2024 to just 2,000 spots in 2025, with further reductions planned for subsequent years. This adjustment signals a more competitive landscape for international entrepreneurs seeking permanent residency through business innovation.

However, the program introduces a notable improvement with the implementation of three-year open work permits for SUV candidates. This new feature allows entrepreneurs and their spouses to work for any employer while establishing their startups, providing greater flexibility in managing living costs during the business development phase. The change represents a strategic balance between tighter immigration controls and enhanced support for qualified applicants.

Job market shows signs of stabilization as vacancy decline slows in Q3 2024

The Canadian job market demonstrated signs of stabilization in the third quarter of 2024, with job vacancies falling by 31,900 positions (5.5%) to 546,100. While this marks the ninth consecutive quarterly decline, the decrease was notably smaller than the previous quarter’s drop of 63,200 positions (9.9%). The slowdown in vacancy reduction suggests a potential stabilization in the labour market, though challenges persist across various sectors.

The decline affected both permanent and temporary positions, with permanent roles seeing a 5.9% decrease and temporary positions falling by 4.0%. Health occupations and sales and service sectors were particularly impacted, with health-related vacancies dropping by 9.5% to 78,600 positions. Despite these declines, the average offered hourly wage showed strong growth, increasing by 7.6% year-over-year to reach $27.55, indicating continued wage pressure in the labour market.

Indian immigration advisors recommend French skills for Canadian permanent residency

Immigration advisory firms in Punjab recommend that international students in Canada enhance their French language proficiency to facilitate their path to permanent residency. Given that an estimated 766,000 international student post-graduate work permits will reach expiration by the end of 2025, industry professionals are identifying French language competency as an advantageous qualification. This strategic approach has emerged following the implementation of Canada’s Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot program in August 2024.

The initiative aligns with Canada’s broader goals to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec, targeting an increase from 6% in 2023 to 8% by 2026. Immigration expert Tirath Singh emphasizes that students should consider learning French and utilizing the Francophone Communities Initiative (FCI), which has expanded to include various regions across Canada. This approach offers a legitimate pathway to PR rather than risking illegal stays after work permit expiration.

Northern Ontario mayors oppose immigration cuts, citing economic impact

The mayors of northern Ontario’s largest cities are voicing strong opposition to the Federal Government’s plans to reduce immigration targets, emphasizing the crucial role newcomers play in sustaining their local economies. Leaders from Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, and Sudbury are particularly concerned about the potential end of a successful pilot program that has helped resettle skilled workers in their communities, filling critical positions in industries such as aircraft repair, engineering, and trades.

The Federal Government’s decision to decrease permanent resident targets from 500,000 to 365,000 by 2027 has sparked particular concern in cities like Sault Ste. Marie, where immigration has recently reversed a 25-year population decline. Local leaders argue that while these cuts might address housing pressures in major urban centers, they could severely impact northern communities that have both available housing and urgent workforce needs, especially in sectors like mining, healthcare, and education.

Abramovich Immigration Law specializes in Canadian immigration, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, and work permits. Our experienced team provides personalized guidance throughout your journey, handling paperwork so you can focus on your future in Canada. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.