Temporary residents to be reduced by IRCC

The Canadian government, led by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, has announced a significant shift in immigration policy by targeting a reduction in the temporary resident population over the next three years. This move marks a departure from previous practices, as temporary resident levels will now be incorporated into the annual Immigration Levels Plan, alongside targets for new permanent residents.

Up until this announcement, temporary resident levels had not been explicitly considered in the Immigration Levels Plan. Minister Miller emphasized that while these targets are not intended to act as strict caps, certain measures might be implemented in specific areas by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications effectively.

Historically, there has been no set limit on permits issued through various programs such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the International Mobility Program (IMP), Intra-company Transfers (ICT), or trade agreements like the Canada United States Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). However, a cap on study permits for international students has already been announced earlier in the year.

Minister Miller highlighted the necessity of reducing Canada's dependence on temporary foreign workers, citing a significant increase in the temporary resident population, which reached 2.5 million individuals or 6.2% of the total population in 2023. The government aims to decrease this figure to 5% over the next three years to stabilize population growth.

To facilitate this transition and support the economy, the government plans to implement more domestic draws for permanent residency. This entails prioritizing candidates who are already in Canada as temporary residents through programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and possibly Express Entry draws. These changes aim to align immigration efforts with economic needs while providing pathways for temporary residents to contribute to the economy long-term.

Minister Miller stressed the importance of reviewing immigration programs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the labor market. Despite challenges, Canada has recovered 138% of the jobs lost during the pandemic, indicating a need for strategic immigration policies to sustain economic growth.

In 2024, Canada aims to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents, with targets increasing to 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. Maintaining these levels is seen as crucial for stabilizing population growth and ensuring support for newcomers while addressing the needs of existing residents.

The ultimate goal, according to Minister Miller, is to establish a well-managed, sustainable immigration system that serves the country's needs. However, the government faces criticism over record-high immigration levels amid concerns about housing affordability and strains on healthcare systems.

In summary, the Canadian government's decision to target a reduction in the temporary resident population reflects a strategic shift towards managing immigration levels more effectively to support economic growth and address societal concerns.