Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced plans to cut immigration numbers beginning in 2025, including a 35% reduction in study permits. Stricter rules for companies hiring foreign workers aim to ease the strain on housing and social services.
In response to growing concerns about housing affordability, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a significant reduction in immigration numbers, set to take effect in 2025. This decision comes a month after the government limited the number of study permits for international students.
Stricter Rules for Temporary Foreign Workers
On Wednesday, Trudeau tweeted that his government plans to introduce stricter rules for companies, making it harder for them to hire temporary foreign workers unless they can prove they are unable to fill positions with Canadian citizens.
“We’re going to have fewer temporary foreign workers in Canada. We’re bringing in stricter rules for companies to prove why they can’t hire Canadian workers first,” he stated.
This policy aims to prioritize Canadian workers but will make it more challenging for immigrants to secure jobs and settle in the country. The move is expected to result in a sharp decline in the number of immigrants entering Canada starting in 2025.
Reduced Immigration Targets for 2025-2027
According to a Canadian government source, the number of new permanent residents will decrease over the next few years. Canada is projected to welcome:
• 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025
• 380,000 in 2026
• 365,000 in 2027
These figures represent a significant drop from the 485,000 immigrants expected this year. By 2025, the annual immigrant intake is predicted to fall by approximately 30,000, settling at around 300,000.
Impact on Work Visas and Foreign Workers
Canada has long relied on foreign labour to support its growing economy, but the latest changes reflect a shift in focus toward protecting local employment.
The new immigration rules will particularly impact foreign workers looking to obtain work visas, as companies will need to demonstrate a stronger justification for hiring non-Canadians.
This policy is expected to reduce the number of available jobs for immigrants, making the path to permanent residency more difficult.
Housing Crisis Fuels Immigration Cuts
One of the key reasons behind the immigration cutbacks is Canada’s ongoing housing crisis. The country has seen a surge in housing demand due to a growing population and high immigration rates, which have driven up property prices. Coupled with rising interest rates, this has left many Canadians struggling to find affordable housing.
In recent years, public sentiment has shifted, with many Canadians expressing concerns about the increasing number of immigrants. This issue is expected to be a focal point in the upcoming federal election, slated for October 2025.
Fewer Study Permits for International Students
Trudeau’s latest immigration policies come on the heels of another significant change. Last month, the government announced a 35% reduction in the number of study permits for international students.
The Prime Minister vowed to take action against individuals and organizations that exploit the immigration system and students for financial gain.
• Canada will reduce study permits by 35% in 2024, followed by a further 10% reduction in 2025.
• In 2025, the country plans to issue 437,000 study permits, down from 485,000 in 2024.
• The study permit target for 2026 will remain at 437,000, matching the 2025 figure.
• This marks a sharp decline from the 509,390 study permits issued in 2023.
Conclusion
Canada’s new immigration policies signal a turning point for foreign workers and immigrants looking to settle in the country. With stricter rules for temporary foreign workers and significant cuts in immigration numbers, the path to permanent residency is becoming increasingly challenging.
As the housing crisis and immigration debate heat up, these changes are likely to play a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s labor market and political landscape in the coming years.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/canada-introduces-stricter-rules-for-foreign-workers-and-reduces-immigration/
