With nearly five million temporary permits set to expire by the end of 2025, Canadian immigration authorities are expecting most permit holders to leave voluntarily, according to Immigration Minister Marc Miller. Among those impacted, 766,000 foreign students face heightened challenges due to shifting policies.

Key Highlights:

• Expiring Permits: Most temporary residents will need to leave unless eligible for permit renewals or post-graduation work permits (PGWPs).
• PGWP Challenges: While these permits help students gain Canadian work experience for permanent residency, fierce competition and tighter immigration policies are making it harder to secure PR status.
• Reduced Student Permits: International student permits were reduced by 35% in 2024, with a further 10% cut planned for 2025, citing housing shortages.

Student Concerns:

• Protests have erupted, particularly among students from Punjab, highlighting growing frustrations over policy shifts and uncertainty.
• Statistics reveal over one million foreign students in Canada as of May 2023, but many now face limited opportunities for PR due to reduced work permits and stricter immigration pathways.

Political Debate:

• Conservative Criticism: Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau’s policies, pointing out their role in creating uncertainty for temporary residents while failing to address housing issues.
• Government’s Assurance: Miller emphasized monitoring mechanisms, including the Canada Border Services Agency, to ensure compliance and address permit violations.

These changes signal a tough road ahead for international students and temporary residents in Canada. If you’re planning to study or work in Canada, stay updated on policy changes and plan accordingly to avoid disruptions.

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