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Business Standard
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Canada visas 2025: India leads with 45.8% of 834,010 study, work permits
In the first three months of 2025, Canada approved 834,010 temporary resident applications and extensions. These included study permits, work permits, and visitor visas, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). India accounted for 382,055 or 45.8 per cent of these approvals, driven by students and skilled workers seeking opportunities in Canada's tech and healthcare sectors. 'India remains the leading source country for temporary residents,' said IRCC official on May 29, 2025. The top ten source countries for temporary residents from January to March 2025 were: Nigeria: 104,835 applications People's Republic of China: 100,890 applications Mexico: 59,305 applications Iran: 49,735 applications Philippines: 48,430 applications Ukraine: 33,110 applications Pakistan: 31,355 applications Colombia: 27,165 applications Bangladesh: 27,080 applications Many applicants are students, while others come as workers or visitors. For example, Nigeria saw a jump in applications linked to education and job prospects in Ontario and British Columbia. In the Philippines, applicants have pursued work in caregiving and hospitality. Ukraine's numbers reflect Canada's support through initiatives like the Canada-Ukraine Transitional Assistance Initiative (CUTAI). Welcoming newcomers and enforcing departures While Canada has welcomed new temporary residents, some existing temporary residents have faced removal orders or longer processing times. IRCC has said it wants to bring the temporary resident share down to 5% of the national population by 2026. That means enforcing visa rules more strictly. IRCC and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers now have the power to cancel temporary resident documents if people overstay or break visa rules. 'People need to comply with the conditions of their stay,' said a CBSA spokesperson in a statement in March. 'When permits expire or conditions are violated, removal notices are issued.' Canada's 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, announced on October 24, 2024, introduced targets for temporary resident admissions for the first time. 2025: 673,650 arrivals 2026: 516,600 arrivals 2027: 543,600 arrivals These figures do not include short-term visitors or seasonal workers but focus on work and study permit holders. IRCC has said these measures are meant to balance economic needs with concerns about housing and job markets. For international students, the government has capped study permit applications in 2025 at 10% below the 2024 figure of 606,250 applications. Post-graduation work permit eligibility has been tightened to target in-demand sectors like healthcare and skilled trades. Work permit rules for spouses of international students and workers were changed in January 2025. Now, only spouses in specific high-demand occupations can apply for an open work permit. Economic contributions and concerns International students and temporary workers support Canada's economy through tuition, living costs, and filling critical labour gaps. Tourism also benefits from visitor spending. However, high newcomer volumes have strained housing and public services. IRCC estimates the new caps will bring a 0.2% population dip in 2025 and 2026, before a rebound in 2027. The reduced growth could help ease the housing crunch—about 670,000 units by 2027. For businesses in agriculture and hospitality, the reduced flow of temporary residents has caused concerns about filling jobs. International students are also feeling the pinch as living costs rise and language requirements become tougher. Supporters of the changes say tighter controls prevent misuse and promote fairness. At the same time, IRCC plans to shift more temporary residents already in Canada to permanent status. In 2025, over 40% of permanent residency approvals are expected to come from this group.
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Business Standard
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Study permits, work visas under scrutiny in Canada's new immigration plan
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney laid out his immigration plans at his first post-election press conference on May 3, 2025, four days after securing a minority mandate in the April 28 election. With the country facing pressure on housing and public services, the question many had was: What will his government do about immigration? Carney said his government would return immigration to 'sustainable levels' by capping temporary workers and international students at 5 per cent of the total population by 2028, down from the current 7.3 per cent. Carney said the move, originally promised by former immigration minister Marc Miller, would ease pressure on housing and social services. 'Immigration caps will remain until we expand housing and better understand immigration patterns during the pandemic,' he said. Carney criticised the previous Liberal government for allowing immigration to grow rapidly after the pandemic, arguing that the country had not kept pace with housing and support services. 'We have not lived up to the bargain with new immigrants,' he said during his election campaign in March. Also Read The government plans to stabilise the number of permanent residents at less than 1 per cent of Canada's population each year beyond 2027. The Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027 targets: 395,000 permanent residents in 2025 380,000 in 2026 365,000 in 2027 This represents a sharp reduction from the earlier target of 500,000. According to the government, steady immigration levels will relieve pressure on housing, healthcare, and social services, benefiting both newcomers and Canadian residents. Although the targets were first announced under the Trudeau government, Carney has confirmed his party will stick to them. Temporary residents face new restrictions The number of temporary residents—covering international students, foreign workers, and others—has increased sharply. As of January 2025, there were around 3.02 million temporary residents, accounting for roughly 7.25 per cent of Canada's total population of 41.5 million. Under the new plan, this figure will be cut to under 5 per cent by 2028. The measures include: Capping the number of study permit applications Tightening eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) Ending Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) Carney said new applicants would face stricter entry conditions, though some already in Canada would have new opportunities to transition to permanent residency. 'We must build more houses using Canadian skilled workers and Indigenous people,' Carney said, urging political parties to work together. Focus on francophone immigration Carney has also pledged to increase francophone immigration outside Quebec. Targets have been set at: 8.5 per cent in 2025 9.5 per cent in 2026 10 per cent in 2027 The goal is to reach 12 per cent by 2029 to support French-speaking communities across the country. Support for skilled migration Carney said he would revamp the Global Skills Strategy to attract top international talent. The scheme allows businesses to hire skilled foreign workers with two-week work permit processing. Plans are also underway to speed up the recognition of foreign qualifications in collaboration with provinces and territories. The Liberals have promised to modernise immigration systems, reduce processing delays, and improve support for asylum seekers by providing access to legal aid. The party also plans to strengthen border controls, tighten visa screening, and work closely with Quebec to manage regional immigration needs. Darshan Maharaja, a Canada-based immigration analyst, said Carney's platform suggested no drastic changes for prospective immigrants, students, or workers. 'In his election platform, Mark Carney said that he would limit immigration to 1% of the population. He did not mention anything about study permits and foreign workers. The indications are that he would not be making significant changes to the existing policies in this regard,' said Maharaja to Business Standard. "It is therefore unlikely that prospective immigrants, students and workers would find it more difficult to come to Canada than is the case at present," he added. Stephen Warren Green, managing partner at Green and Spiegel LLP, said he expects the government to reassess visa rules. 'The immigration policy would be totally reviewed by the current government. It will be more geared towards specific types of industries and specific types of education pathways,' he told Business Standard. Green said he hoped to see stronger ties between India and Canada. 'It is time that Canada and India further their joint investment opportunities between both countries,' he added.
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Prime Minister Mark Carney plan for Canada Immigration
Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney and im Liberals party say e dey important to implement policies wey go address challenges wey di kontri dey face in terms of immigration. Di Prime Minister say while dem go maintain di kontri as a welcoming nation, Canada no go allow make immigration levels overpower dia housing, healthcare and jobs. Dem swear-in Mark Carney as Canada Prime Minister for March 2025, and during im campaign, e say di kontri gatz return back on track sake of how immigration increase under di former govment of Justin Trudeau. Canada say immigration dey place pressure on dia social services, housing and healthcare and di Liberals party under Carney wan address dis issues while dem go also ensure say di system dey benefit Canada economy. For im press conference on May 3, 2025, Canada Prime Minister say im govment dey take action to bring immigration to "sustainable levels" by 2027. "As I dey warn for months, America want our land and resources. Neva. Dis no be threat, Trump dey try break so America fit get us, but dat no go happun," Carney tok for im address. Carney say im go represent di interest of evri Canadians regardless of wia dem dey and who dem support. How Canada wan address immigration For 2024, Canada govment bin announce new immigration plan wey go reduce di number of international students and foreign workers. Dis na under di previous govment. Howeva, one of di ways wey di Liberal Party under Carney dey look immigration policy na to stabilize how dem admit permanent resident (PR) into di kontri. Dem wan keep permanent resident admission for less dan 1% of Canada population annually beyond 2027. Dis na part of di current Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, wey put permanent residents targets for 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. For di next two years (2025-2027), Canada say dem wan see reduction for dia population, and to cut immigration na one of di ways. For di immigration plan document, Canada say "we dey reduce from 500,000 permanent residents to 395,000 for 2025; reduce from 500,000 permanent residents to 380,000 for 2026 and set a target of 365,000 permanent residents for 2027." Dis na policy wey di former Immigration Minister Marc Miller bin introduce for 2024 and di Carney govment intend to kontinue dis approach. According to di Liberal party, di stability of annua immigration go create a system wey go reduce di pressure ontop public services by newcomers and long-term residents. Canada temporary resident population don grow in recent years, and e don raise discussion. Dis temporary residents include international students, foreign workers, amongst odas. Na last year di previous govment first announce to reduce temporary residents, but now, di Liberals Party under Prime Minister Carney don reinforce dem go reduce temporary residents for Canada. As of January 2025, report according to Immigration News Canada say an estimate of 3.02 million temporary residents wey include international students, temporary foreign workers bin make up di about 7.25% of Canada population of 41.5 million pipo. Di Liberal Party pledge to reduce dis proportion to less dan 5% by di end of 2027 and dem describe am as "sustainable levels." How dem wan do dis na to do transition of temporary residents to permanent residency while Canada go also allow some residents to leave as dia permit dey expire. Dis method of reduction include putting limit to study permit applications, to increase eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), and stop Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs). "Immigration caps go remain until we expand housing and understand di levels of immigration wey don happun for our kontri [during di pandemic]," Mark Carney say. Dose wey alreadi for Canada as temporary residents, such as international students and workers, fit benefit from di process to become permanent residency. Howeva, new applicants for study permits or work permits fit face more strict criteria and caps and make am more competitive to enta Canada. For Canadians, di Liberals plan to address concerns about housing and public services to ensure say immigration levels dey in line wit infrastructure capacity. Di reduction in temporary resident levels na to reduce pressure ontop Canada resources. Carney say im govment go work wit evrione wey dey Canada and make oda parties put aside hatred as dem go do well to build. "Dis na Canada and we go decide wetin go happun for here. We gatz build more houses using Canadian skilled workers and indigenous pipo," Carney tok.
NDTV
29-04-2025
- Business
- NDTV
How Mark Carney's Government Plans To Change Canada's Immigration Policies
Quick Take Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Canada's Liberal Party won the 2025 elections, with Mark Carney as PM. The new immigration platform aims to stabilise residency levels, reduce temporary residents, increase francophone immigration, enhance border enforcement, and modernise processing systems. Canada's Liberal Party has emerged victorious in the 2025 federal elections, paving the way for Mark Carney to become the country's next Prime Minister. As the party prepares to form a new government, its immigration platform is set to bring significant changes to the country's policies. The Liberals aim to stabilise Canada's immigration system by adjusting both permanent and temporary resident levels, addressing concerns about the strain on housing and public services, per CIC News. The party's platform acknowledges that the previous government's immigration policies allowed levels to rise at an "unsustainable" pace. To address this, the Liberals propose stabilising permanent admissions at less than 1% of Canada's population annually beyond 2027. Notably, the current Immigration Levels Plan already targets numbers below this threshold, with permanent resident targets set at 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. Temporary resident levels have also come under scrutiny, with the Liberals aiming to reduce the number of temporary residents to below 5% of the population by the end of 2027. This goal would be achieved through temporary residents transitioning to permanent status or leaving Canada as their permits expire. The party's leader, Mark Carney, emphasised the need for caution, stating that "immigration caps will remain in place until we've expanded housing, and we've reabsorbed the levels of immigration that have happened in our country (during the pandemic)." The Liberals' platform also includes plans to increase francophone immigration outside Quebec to 12% by 2029, exceeding the current federal targets of 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen French-speaking communities across Canada. To support the economy, the party proposes updating the Global Skills Strategy program to help Canadian employers attract international talent through fast-track work permit processing. Furthermore, the Liberals promise to modernise the immigration system by leveraging digital tools to reduce processing delays and clear backlogs. They also commit to providing legal aid to asylum seekers and refugees, ensuring timely access to legal advice, and removing failed claimants after due process has been completed. The party's platform additionally outlines plans to enhance border enforcement, tighten visa screening processes, and collaborate with the government of Quebec to manage immigration. As the Liberal Party prepares to implement these changes, Canada's immigration landscape is poised for a significant shift.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Canada's Liberal Party plans stable immigration reforms amid federal election win
The Liberal Party of Canada has gained victory in the 2025 federal elections. While it is still unclear whether the party will form a minority or majority government, Mark Carney , as the leader of the Liberals, is expected to be invited by the Governor General to become the next Prime Minister of Canada, according to CIC News. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" The party's platform outlines several changes in immigration policy aimed at managing population growth while addressing infrastructure and labour needs. As per CIC News, the Liberals intend to bring stability to Canada's immigration system by adjusting both permanent and temporary resident levels in the coming years. The platform states that the previous government allowed immigration levels to rise at an 'unsustainable' pace, creating strain on housing and public services. To address this, the Liberals have committed to 'stabilize permanent admissions at less than 1% of Canada's population annually beyond 2027.' Based on the current Immigration Levels Plan, Canada's permanent resident targets are already under this threshold—395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027, with the national population projected at 41.5 million. Temporary resident levels have also come under scrutiny. As of January 2025, Canada had an estimated 3.02 million temporary residents, accounting for about 7.25% of the population. The Liberal platform aims to reduce this to below 5% by the end of 2027. This would be done either through temporary residents transitioning to permanent status or leaving as their permits expire. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Former immigration minister Marc Miller had already taken steps to limit temporary residency, including setting a cap on study permit applications and tightening rules for Post-Graduation Work Permits and Spousal Open Work Permits. During a campaign event, Mark Carney said, 'immigration caps will remain in place until we've expanded housing, and we've reabsorbed the levels of immigration that have happened in our country [during the pandemic].' Live Events You Might Also Like: Carney's Liberals in lead after Trudeau's disaster as Canada voters get ready, Ipsos reveals The Liberals also plan to increase francophone immigration outside Quebec to 12% by 2029. This is higher than the current federal targets of 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027, and aims to strengthen French-speaking communities across Canada. To support the economy, the party wants to update the Global Skills Strategy, a program that helps Canadian employers bring in international talent through fast-track work permit processing. The platform also includes plans to attract skilled workers from the United States and simplify the process of recognizing foreign credentials. The Liberal Party has also made additional promises in its immigration platform. These include using digital tools to reduce processing delays and clear backlogs, providing legal aid to asylum seekers and refugees to ensure timely access to legal advice, and removing failed claimants after due process has been completed. The platform also mentions plans to increase resources for border enforcement, tighten visa screening processes, and continue managing immigration in coordination with the government of Quebec. The Liberals' proposed changes are expected to shape Canada's immigration policy for the next several years, focusing on sustainable growth and better management of infrastructure demands. You Might Also Like: Canada elections: A look at Mark Carney's promises amid anti-Trump wave and trade tensions with US
