In recent months, Canada has refused entry to an increasing number of visitors and has significantly reduced the number of visas issued. Find out what is the reason for the drastic change in the country's immigration policy

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The latest government data shows that Canada is closing its doors to visitors and temporary residents as it approves fewer visas and refuses entry. What is the reason?

Why is Canada suddenly denying visitors visas?

The surge in the number of foreign traveler denials comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government tries to reduce the number of temporary residents - and possibly permanent immigrants, as Canada's large number of foreigners is believed to have created a housing shortage and significantly prices have increased.

Overall, Canadians are still welcoming new residents, but most people believe the country is accepting too many expats.

How many foreigners have been refused entry to Canada?

During the first seven months of 2024, border guards denied entry to an average of 3,727 travelers per month, which is 633 or 20% more than a year earlier. In July alone, Canada turned away 5,853 foreign travelers, including students, workers and tourists. Separately, it is worth noting that in July 2024, officers found 285 visa holders inadmissible, which is also the highest figure since January 2019.

However, the border guards note that the decision on rejection is decided on a case-by-case basis. The CBSA has not identified any specific changes in country policy.

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In 2024, Canada started issuing fewer visas

In addition to changes in border control, foreigners note that in 2024 Canada began to issue much fewer visas. The ratio of visitor visa rejections to approvals was higher in June than at any time since the height of the pandemic.

Overall, more applications were rejected than approved in January, February, May and June 2024, according to the immigration department. The number of approved study and work permits also fell from multi-year highs in 2023 and 2022.

In addition, checks on visa holders at airports and land border crossings have become stronger since the end of last year.

Canada is constantly working on improving its migration system, read about the main innovations that the country made in 2024 in this article.

Canada will reduce the number of study permits by 2025

Canada is set to reduce the number of study permits it grants to international students by 2025 as part of new measures to manage the number of temporary residents.

The government plans to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, down significantly from 509,390 in 2023, according to the immigration department.

TOP-5 most popular immigration programs to Canada in 2024 by link.

Work permit restrictions

In addition to restricting study permits, Canada is also tightening the rules for obtaining work permits. The new rules will affect spouses of foreign students and temporary foreign workers, making it more difficult for them to obtain a work permit.

In general, we can say that Canadians strive for an honest migration policy, reducing the number of temporary residents and prioritizing the integrity of the immigration system, which is why the country is seeing a decrease in the number of visas issued, as well as an increase in the number of refusals when crossing the border.

We will remind you! Temporary residents who came to Canada on a visitor visa can no longer apply for a work permit. This decision was taken as part of the fight against excessive migration. We have already told what kind of program it is and why the Canadian leadership decided to close it.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.