Canada's immigration and visa policies have undergone significant changes in recent months that could affect millions of visitors, students and foreign workers. Find out what the latest immigration news expats need to know

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In recent months, Canada has introduced several new visa updates that could affect visitors, students, and foreign workers. Fee increases, changes to the work permit process, stricter policies for tourist visas, and longer processing times. All of these updates significantly change the rules for anyone planning to travel, study, or work in Canada.

The main changes to Canada’s immigration system in 2024 are discussed later in this article.

Visa fee increases for visitors, workers, and students

Starting December 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is increasing fees for several types of visitor, worker, and student visas. The upcoming changes to visa fees will affect a variety of applications, including:

- Renewal of temporary resident status (visitors, workers, and students).

- Permission to return to Canada.

- Criminal Rehabilitation Applications (covering both standard and serious crimes).

- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Applications.

IRCC has not yet released the updated fee amounts for these categories, but they will be effective December 1.

Increased Off-Campus Work Allowance for Students

Canada recently increased the amount of off-campus work allowed for international students. Eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week during academic semesters, providing them with greater financial flexibility and practical work experience. Previously, international students were allowed to work off-campus for a maximum of 20 hours.

International students are also now allowed to work full-time during academic breaks, such as summer and winter breaks.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) Program Discontinued

Canada has made key changes for international students by discontinuing the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. The decision, which took effect immediately, was aimed at creating a fairer student visa application process. Previously, students from 14 countries, including India, China and the Philippines, were eligible for preferential student visa applications. From now on, representatives of these countries will be accepted on a general basis.

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10-year multiple-entry visa to Canada has been closed

The Canadian government has changed its approach to issuing tourist visas. Moving away from the standard practice of granting multiple-entry visas with an extended validity period, Canada will now limit the issuance of tourist visas with a validity period of ten years.

Under the new guidelines, immigration officers now have more discretion in issuing visas. This means:

1. Immigration officers will now determine whether applicants will receive a single-entry visa, valid for a single visit, or a multiple-entry visa, which allows multiple entries during the validity period.

2. Shortened validity periods: The previous standard of 10 years for multiple-entry visas has been removed. Instead, the validity period of the visa will now vary depending on the circumstances and needs of each applicant.

Stricter rules for foreign workers

Justin Trudeau announced that his government plans to introduce stricter rules for companies when it comes to hiring seasonal workers. In particular, employers will now have to prove that they cannot hire a Canadian citizen for the position.

The Canadian government also plans to reduce the number of new permanent residents overall:

- 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025;

- 380,000 in 2026;

- 365,000 in 2027.

It is also worth noting that at the end of 2024, Canada experienced a backlog in visa applications, which led to delays in issuing visas, citizenship documents and permanent residence. Currently, the processing time for applications is increased by several months.

As a reminder! In recent months, Canada has been denying entry to an increasing number of visitors and has significantly reduced the number of visas issued. We have previously reported on the reasons for the sharp change in the country's immigration policy.

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.