Abramovich Immigration Law presents our weekly news reviews on Canadian immigration policy changes. We analyze and summarize key developments in immigration procedures, regulations, and requirements across various streams. Follow us on social media to stay informed about the latest immigration news, policy changes, and expert insights.

Mark Carney Appointed Rachel Bendayan As Canada’s New Immigration Minister

Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Rachel Bendayan as Canada’s Minister of Immigration in a cabinet shuffle ahead of the 2025 federal election. Bendayan, the current MP for Outremont, Quebec, brings extensive experience as the Minister of Official Languages and various Parliamentary Secretary positions. Her Moroccan-Jewish background and expertise in international trade law are expected to contribute valuable perspectives to Canada’s immigration policy reforms.

The appointment came as PM Carney, who assumed Liberal Party leadership on March 9, 2025, unveiled plans to reshape Canada’s immigration system. His reform strategy focuses on reducing temporary residents from 6.2% to 5% by 2027, implementing new international study permit restrictions, and enhancing temporary foreign worker criteria. These changes coincide with ongoing trade tensions with the United States, where Carney’s economic background is proving particularly relevant.

The Government Of Canada Expands Immigration Pathways For Construction Workers, Targeting Housing Crisis

The government has announced new measures to support the construction sector and address Canada’s housing shortage. The government is establishing a tripartite Advisory Council comprising federal representatives, unions, and industry employers to assess workforce needs and develop pathways for construction workers. Additionally, the initiative includes removing study permit requirements for foreign workers in apprenticeship programs, allowing them to contribute immediately while developing their skills.

A groundbreaking aspect of this announcement is the expansion of permanent residency opportunities for undocumented construction workers. Following a successful pilot program in the Greater Toronto Area, the government is now allocating space for up to 6,000 undocumented workers nationwide through a new construction pathway. This initiative aims to bring workers out of the underground economy while ensuring proper workplace protections and supporting Canada’s housing construction goals.

Record-Breaking Emigration Numbers Signal Housing Crisis

Recent data indicates that in 2024, Canada experienced its highest emigration rate in seven years, with 81,601 residents relocating abroad. Ontario was the primary source of this population movement, comprising 48% of departures, as 39,430 individuals left the province. This substantial shift in residential patterns and a 50% reduction in non-permanent residents reflect a notable transformation in Canada’s demographic composition.

The surge in emigration coincides with a deepening housing crisis, as construction started plummeting by 25% nationwide in 2024. This storm of rising living costs, stagnant wages, and housing affordability has particularly impacted major urban centers. British Columbia recorded its highest exodus in seven years with 14,836 departures, while Quebec stands as a notable exception, maintaining relatively stable population levels and even experiencing increased immigration.

Canada Records Sharp Decline In Study Permit Approvals For 2024

Recent data indicates a notable reduction in Canadian study permit approvals, decreasing from 681,390 in 2023 to 518,125 in 2024. This adjustment aligns with the Canadian Government’s measured response to address infrastructure challenges, including housing accessibility, public service capacity, and international student tuition affordability.

The policy changes particularly impact private colleges, while universities remain primarily exempted from these new restrictions. The government’s approach includes stricter financial requirements and revised post-graduation work permit regulations. These measures, implemented in early 2024, are part of a broader two-year cap on study permits to ensure sustainable growth in the international education sector while maintaining quality standards and adequate support for students.

IRCC Revoked The Field-Of-Study Requirement For College Graduates Seeking Work Permits

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has eliminated the field-of-study requirement for international students graduating from degree programs at Canadian colleges who wish to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permits. This change puts college graduates on equal footing with university graduates, removing a restriction that has created a notable disadvantage for Canadian colleges in international education markets.

The reversal addresses concerns about undue discrimination against college programs, acknowledging their vital role in producing graduates with specialized skills needed in the Canadian economy. Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) highlighted that the previous policy created a disconnect between local labour market demands and the contributions of international graduates from over 10,000 diploma and bachelor’s degree programs. While the change is welcome, colleges may need time to rebuild their position in key global markets following the disruption caused by the temporary restrictions.

Ottawa Extended Temporary Measures For Sudanese Nationals Until October 2025

The Canadian Government has announced a significant extension of temporary measures for individuals affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The measures, now extended until October 27, 2025, continue to provide support through fee waivers for various immigration services. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their family members who fled Sudan can access travel documents, citizenship certificates, and various permits without charges.

The extended policy maintains support for Sudanese nationals currently in Canada, offering free access to work permits, study permits, and status extensions. Family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who escaped Sudan after April 15, 2023, and arrived in Canada before July 15, 2023, benefit from additional provisions, including free applications for permanent residence under the family class. However, these measures no longer cover overseas temporary resident visa applications and temporary resident permit requests.

Canada Seeks Extension For First-Generation Citizenship Limit Reform

IRCC announced that Canada will request a 12-month extension to address the unconstitutional first-generation limit to citizenship by descent. This comes after the Ontario Superior Court’s December 2023 ruling that found key provisions of the current law unconstitutional. The extension would allow time to reintroduce Bill C-71, which aims to amend the Citizenship Act while maintaining the value of Canadian citizenship.

In the interim, the government has implemented measures to support affected individuals through discretionary grants of citizenship. This includes those born or adopted before December 19, 2023, individuals with Canadian parents meeting specific residency requirements, certain people born before April 1949, and those who previously lost citizenship due to retention requirements. The current suspension of the Court’s declaration expires on March 19, 2025.

Abramovich Immigration Law specializes in helping individuals worldwide fulfill their dreams of living, studying, and working in Canada. Our dedicated team of immigration experts provides comprehensive guidance through various pathways, including permanent residency applications, student visas, and work permits. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in achieving your Canadian immigration goals.