Canada is grappling with a surge in temporary residents, prompting the government to tighten visa regulations, particularly for applicants from India. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has called for enhanced federal efforts to prevent the misuse of visitor visas, citing concerns about the impact on local communities, including rising unemployment rates among youth and newcomers.
The move follows a sharp increase in border crossings, particularly from India. From October 2023 to August 2024, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported 21,929 migrant encounters at the Canada-US border, with 17,810 occurring in the Swanton Sector, bordering Quebec, New York, and Vermont. This figure marks more than double the 8,686 encounters from the previous year and a significant jump from the 2,238 encounters two years ago. Nearly 60 percent of those detained – 12,992 – were from India.
In response to the surge in temporary residents, the Canadian government has acknowledged the increasing number of international students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers. While newcomers contribute significantly to Canada’s economic and cultural landscape, the influx has raised concerns about rising unemployment rates, especially among young Canadians.
To address these concerns, Minister Miller plans to unveil a new Immigration Levels Plan on November 1, which will include a 10% reduction in study permits over the next two years. By 2025 and 2026, Canada aims to issue 437,000 study permits annually, a 36% decrease from 2023 levels. These changes are part of broader adjustments to manage the increasing volumes of international students, foreign workers, and permanent residents.
The tightening of visa regulations and the reduction in study permits reflect Canada’s efforts to balance the benefits of immigration with the challenges faced by local communities. The government aims to ensure a robust economic and cultural landscape while addressing concerns about rising unemployment rates and the potential strain on public services.
