Canada’s immigration policies have taken a sharp turn in 2024, resulting in the rejection of a record-breaking 2.36 million temporary resident visa applications. This represents a 50% rejection rate, a significant rise from 35% the previous year, as the government enforces stricter immigration controls.
The highest number of rejections occurred in visitor visa applications, with 1.95 million refusals, marking a 54% rejection rate. Authorities have heightened efforts to prevent potential overstays, making entry into Canada increasingly difficult for short-term visitors.
International students have also been heavily impacted by this shift. Study permit rejections climbed to 52%, largely due to new eligibility requirements, higher financial demands, and a crackdown on fraudulent applications.
Meanwhile, work permits experienced a lower rejection rate of 22%, reflecting a more cautious approach as the government seeks to balance labor market needs with immigration restrictions.
While reducing the number of temporary residents may ease pressure on the country’s housing and healthcare systems, it also raises concerns for industries that rely on international talent. Educational institutions, which generate an estimated CAD $22 billion annually from foreign students, may face financial difficulties. Similarly, sectors such as healthcare and construction could experience labor shortages due to a lack of skilled foreign workers.
As Canada moves forward with its 2025-2027 immigration strategy, the long-term effects of these visa rejections on the economy and society remain to be seen.
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