In 2024, Canada introduced a number of important changes to visa and migration policies. Find out what these changes are and what categories of permissions are affected by the innovation

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Canada is constantly working to improve its immigration system. That is why foreign nationals should carefully monitor new changes and check the rules and requirements before applying for visas or obtaining permits.

Read more about the main innovations made by the country in 2024.

Advantages and disadvantages of living in Canada at the link.

Changes for international students in Canada in 2024

1. Sanctions for higher education institutions that do not monitor the studies of foreign students

Unfortunately, in recent years, the number of foreign students abusing their residence and study permits in Canada has been increasing. To stop this trend, the Canadian government decided in July 2024 to stop issuing study permits to institutions that do not track international student enrollment. That is, from now on, all educational institutions are obliged to report to the Federal Department of Immigration on the attendance of students in classes, as well as their compliance with the requirements for a study permit.

With this in mind, students will now have to apply for a new study permit every time they change institutions and also before the start of a new academic year.

2. Issuance of permits for post-graduate work at border points will be stopped

In June of this year, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Mark Miller announced that the acceptance of applications from foreign citizens for obtaining a "Post-Graduation Work Permit" (English: Post-Graduation Work Permit, PGWP) at checkpoints on the US-Canada border will discontinued

In this way, the authorities are fighting the practice of flagpoling - temporary residents of Canada try to minimize the waiting period when applying for a work permit. To do this, instead of the standard process of applying online from Canadian territory, they leave Canada and return within 24 hours to receive immigration services at the border on the same day.

Such actions cause delays for other travelers crossing the US-Canada border and slow the movement of goods.

3. Foreign students will now be able to work longer

In an attempt to solve the labor shortage problem and support international students, the Canadian government has announced several innovations in labor legislation. From September 2024, international students are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week (previously the limit was 20 hours). IRCC estimates that more than 80% of international students in Canada work more than 20 hours per week on campuses or illegally off-campus.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

A new pilot program for issuing residence permits for caregivers has been launched

In June this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Mark Miller announced two new pilot programs that will grant permanent residency to eligible carers. The programs will make it easier for workers from abroad to find work in Canada and obtain resident status upon arrival in this country.

The list of persons who have the right to obtain citizenship by origin has been expanded

In May 2024, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-71, which provides for the liberalization of the rules for granting Canadian citizenship by descent. Currently, applications for this status are accepted only from representatives of the first generation of descendants of emigrants. The authors of the draft law propose to abolish this restriction.

In a statement, the government announced that Bill C-71 would restore citizenship to all remaining "lost Canadians," their descendants and all those born abroad to Canadian parents in the second or subsequent generations.

The category of "lost Canadians" includes people who have lost or never received Canadian citizenship due to outdated legislation.

Issuance of Super Visa for relatives of Canadian citizens and residents has been resumed

The Canadian government has announced the start of mass mailing of invitations to obtain a Canadian super visa (English Super Visa) to parents, grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

In particular, potential residents have already received 35,700 invitations. All recipients have applied for the relevant immigration program back in 2020 to join their children/grandchildren in Canada. There was a delay due to the pandemic. Sending invitations in normal mode resumed on May 21, 2024.

Visa waiting times for startups and self-employed individuals have been reduced

From April 30, 2024, Canada implemented a number of changes aimed at simplifying Canada's federal immigration programs.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that these changes are aimed at reducing application processing times and eliminating delays.

Also among the changes was an improved startup visa program that made it easier for innovative entrepreneurs to come to Canada.

Importantly! Canada is looking for talented entrepreneurs to stimulate the country's economy and create new jobs for local residents. Every entrepreneur interested in opening his own business abroad can take advantage of the new Canadian visa program. Learn more about the features and procedure for obtaining a Start Up visa in Canada in 2024 here.

The validity of work visas for Israeli citizens has been extended until 2025

Given the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, as well as the generally turbulent situation in the Middle East, the Canadian government announced in June of this year that it had decided to extend work visas for Israeli citizens until July 31, 2025. Thanks to this, Israeli citizens will be able to continue to work in Canada and contribute to the economy of this country.

Expats play an important role in stimulating the Canadian economy, which is why this North American country consistently leads the rankings of foreign-friendly countries, and its leadership works to attract new residents. In particular, in 2023, the country presented its Immigration Level Plan for 2023-2025, which aims to accept about 550,000 new permanent residents by 2025. Considering the large number of immigration programs, moving here is quite possible.

Read the latest news from the world of travel and migration on the Visit World portal.

We will remind you! TOP 5 most popular immigration programs to Canada in 2024 in this article.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

For safe relocation to Canada, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

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