Canada to reduce study permits for Nigerians, others

  • Cuts int’l study permit by 10%, improves asylum integrity
  • Budgets $743.5 million to strengthen asylum system in five years

 

Canada is taking far-reaching measures to tackle immigration challenges it faces particularly on job shortages and to improve the integrity of the asylum system.

Consequently, the Canadian government has announced key changes to its immigration policies, impacting international students and temporary foreign workers.

These changes are set to begin in late 2024 and are part of a broader strategy to manage labour shortages and improve the integrity of the asylum system.

There are many Nigerians who are migrating to Canada for study while many others are escaping out of the country through the asylum system.

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The measures to be taken include a reduction in Study Permits starting in 2025. Starting in 2025, Canada will reduce study permits by 10%, lowering the intake from 485,000 to 437,000.

The Canadian government said it decided to ease the strain on housing and public resources caused by the growing number of international students.

Starting from November 2024, international graduates must meet new language proficiency standards: CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates.

For eligibility, only those in programs linked to jobs with long-term shortages will be eligible for a work permit of up to three years.

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The government has equally made changes to spousal work permits while for students only the spouses of master’s degree students in programs of at least 16 months will be eligible for work permits.

Work permits for spouses will now be limited to those whose partners work in management, professional roles, or industries facing labour shortages.

Strengthening the Asylum system, Canada is improving visa integrity and speeding up the asylum claims process to manage the rising number of asylum seekers. This includes partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals and enhanced fraud detection tools.

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These updates are part of a broader immigration strategy. By 2027, temporary residents will make up only 5% of Canada’s total population, ensuring a balanced and manageable immigration system.

Budget 2024 proposes $743.5 million over five years to strengthen Canada’s asylum and immigration systems, ensuring they remain effective and sustainable.

Wole Shadare