Abramovich Immigration Law presents a comprehensive weekly analysis of Canadian immigration policy developments for the last week of May. Follow us to stay connected and get exclusive updates.

IRCC warns against rising ‘dummy work permit’ applications

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has observed an increasing trend of individuals submitting “dummy work permit” applications—a practice where applicants knowingly submit work permit requests despite being ineligible. This strategy, primarily used to maintain status in Canada, has raised significant concerns among immigration authorities. While these applications may seem like a temporary solution for those seeking to extend their stay, IRCC officials emphasize the severe consequences that could follow.

The practice has garnered attention due to its extended processing times, which currently average 238 days for in-Canada applications. While this lengthy period may appear advantageous for applicants seeking to accumulate Canadian work experience, IRCC warns that submitting ineligible applications could result in serious repercussions, including a five-year inadmissibility to Canada and potential findings of misrepresentation. Immigration experts advise applicants to pursue legitimate pathways and consult with qualified professionals for proper guidance.

Canada’s labour force sees a historic shift as the number of migrant workers rise

A new Bank of Canada report reveals a significant transformation in the country’s workforce composition, with the share of native-born Canadians in the labour force experiencing a dramatic 10 percentage point decline since 2006. The analysis, published by the bank’s Economic Analysis Department, highlights an unprecedented surge in immigration, particularly among temporary workers, marking a notable shift in Canada’s demographic landscape.

The report indicates a substantial wage disparity between migrant and Canadian-born workers, with temporary workers now earning 22.6% less than their Canadian counterparts—a gap that has more than doubled since 2015. This trend coincides with demographic changes showing newcomers are increasingly younger, lower-skilled, and predominantly from regions such as India, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East, reflecting a significant departure from historical immigration patterns.

Canada sees a dramatic 31% decrease in study permits for Indian nationals

Recent analysis indicates a shift in Canada’s international education sector, marked by a measured reduction in study permits granted to Indian students. According to IRCC statistics, there has been a 31% decline in study permits issued to Indian nationals in the first quarter of 2025, with the number of permits decreasing from 44,295 in 2024 to 30,640. This adjustment reflects Canada’s strategic approach to optimizing temporary migration flows and ensuring sustainable infrastructure capacity.

The policy shift introduces stricter requirements, including doubled financial thresholds where students must now demonstrate access to CA$20,635 for living expenses, enhanced verification processes, and a reduced annual cap of 437,000 study permits. Despite these changes, Indian students remain the largest international student group in Canada, though they face increased challenges in pursuing their educational aspirations.

Foreign workers fleeing abuse in Canada is up 800%

Recent data indicates a substantial increase in temporary foreign workers seeking open work permits due to workplace concerns in Canada. According to IRCC’s official reports, there has been an 800% year-over-year escalation in applications. Ontario’s statistics demonstrate this trend, with 435 permits being issued during Q1 2025, representing a significant increase from 45 permits during the corresponding period in the previous year.

The surge in applications spans across multiple provinces, with British Columbia issuing 650 permits, while Quebec and Alberta each granted 465 permits in early 2025. This dramatic increase follows the 2019 introduction of the Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permit program, designed to protect temporary foreign workers whose status is typically tied to a single employer. Experts suggest that economic uncertainty and recent changes in immigration policy may be contributing to increased worker vulnerability in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare.

Canadian educational institutions under scrutiny for international student treatment

Recent investigations have uncovered widespread concerns regarding the treatment of international students across Canadian educational institutions. Both public and private institutions face mounting criticism for their handling of international student programs, with reports highlighting issues ranging from inadequate housing conditions to substandard academic offerings. The situation has prompted a significant governmental response, including the implementation of new regulations aimed at protecting student interests.

The crisis has sparked a nationwide debate about the sustainability of current international education practices. Government officials, including former Immigration Minister Marc Miller and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have voiced strong criticism of certain institutions’ practices. In response, authorities have introduced a cap of 437,000 study permits for 2025, representing a 10% reduction from previous years, while implementing stricter oversight measures to ensure educational quality and student welfare.

Ontario unveils the Working for Workers Seven Act: Enhanced workplace safety and immigration reforms

The Ontario Government has introduced groundbreaking legislation, the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, aimed at revolutionizing workplace safety and streamlining immigration processes. The comprehensive act proposes enhanced protection against worker abuse and significant reforms to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). These measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to creating safer, more efficient workplaces while addressing the province’s evolving labour market needs.

Key initiatives include cracking down on employers who provide false information or hide payroll records, protecting job seekers from fraudulent job postings, and introducing new support systems for workers affected by tariff-related layoffs. The act also focuses on strengthening the skilled trades sector through increased funding for mobile training and improved partnerships with training delivery agents. Additionally, the OINP will undergo significant modernization with the launch of a new employer portal in Summer 2025, streamlining the immigration process for qualified candidates.

A new study proposes immigration reform measures to enhance system effectiveness

A new study on Canadian immigration policy reform has proposed significant changes to address current challenges in the nation’s immigration system. The research highlights the shift from a previously successful model that attracted high-skilled immigrants to the present situation, where approximately three million non-permanent residents constitute nearly eight percent of Canada’s population, amid concerns over wage stagnation and housing shortages.

The study outlines eleven key recommendations, including reducing annual permanent residency targets to 200,000 and abolishing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. These proposals aim to strengthen the economic benefits of immigration while enhancing integration measures. The recommendations emphasize the importance of credential recognition, language proficiency, and domestic education, suggesting the creation of a consolidated Ministry of Human Resources Canada to oversee these reforms.

Abramovich Immigration Law specializes in streamlining the Canadian immigration process. Our immigration lawyers offer expert guidance through multiple immigration channels, from skilled worker applications to family sponsorship, business immigration, and humanitarian cases. We take pride in our results-driven approach and history of successful outcomes, making us an ideal choice for your Canadian immigration needs. Schedule a consultation to explore how we can help you navigate your path to Canada.