More measures will be taken to manage temporary resident levels, including changes to PGWP and enforcement. Miller stated that the era of uncapped programs entering this nation is quickly coming to an end, and this is a significant transition.
What Kind Of Transitions To The PGWP Are Being Considered?
In June, IRCC sent out surveys to key stakeholders in the post-secondary education space, seeking feedback regarding possible changes to the PGWP.
According to this survey & the Deputy Minister Transition Binder 2024, the department is considering aligning the issuance of PGWPs with labor market needs. Notably, the department would look to manage access to work permits for students entering professions in shortage while reducing access for graduates from other programs.
Moreover, the survey also revealed that IRCC & ESDC have worked together to map educational programs with job titles. To elaborate, IRCC’s survey uses the example of relevant NOCs for carpenters being connected to three programs of study: construction trades, carpentry, & woodworking/ general, etc.
Part Of A Broader Plan
More measures will be taken to manage temporary resident levels. Earlier this year, IRCC declared the first-ever target for non-permanent resident temporary residents levels to be included in this year’s Immigration Levels Plan. According to this declaration, IRCC would look to reduce levels of NPRs, with the goal of stabilizing the proportion of these newcomers in the Canadian population to five percent over the next three years. As of last April, NPRs made up close to seven percent of the total population.
As part of this initiative, IRCC has already implemented a two-year cap on international students, regulating the number of new post-secondary students to 292,000 this year. This cap will be reconsidered in 2025, with a possible adjustment to the international student levels for that year.
Moreover, Minister Miller also indicated his intention to have more ‘domestic draws’ for both federal and provincial permanent residency pathways – essentially reducing the number of TRS in Canada by prioritizing them for PR draws. He intends not to recruit new PRs from abroad, which might further exacerbate problems in housing and affordability that have been associated with immigration.
Lastly, Miller stated that collectively, these measures come at a time when Canadians are scrutinizing immigration more than ever: immigration will be a top issue in the next selection.
Explore your pathway to immigrate to Canada with Immigtoronto. Moreover, our team of skilled RCICs offers customized immigration solutions, ensuring a trustworthy and professional process. Contact us at [email protected].
