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Economists sound alarm over Canada’s new immigration selection model
A group of leading Canadian economists has raised concerns about recent changes to the country's immigration framework, arguing that the 2023 introduction of category-based selection has undermined the transparency of Canada's formerly merit-driven system. The shift from the Comprehensive Ranking System to ministerial discretion has created uncertainty for prospective immigrants and may reduce the inflow of highly skilled workers. With international student applications decl
Dec 15, 2025


Canada's international student cap triggers widespread economic impact on higher education
Canada's postsecondary sector faces mounting challenges as international student arrivals plunged 60% between January and September 2025 compared to the previous year, following government-imposed caps designed to ease housing pressures. The dramatic decline has triggered financial losses exceeding $140 million across just six Ontario institutions, while British Columbia anticipates annual losses surpassing $300 million. Ontario colleges have suspended 600 programs and elimi
Dec 15, 2025


Immigrant entry wages drop 10.6% despite remaining above pre-pandemic levels
New data from Statistics Canada reveals that the median entry wage for immigrants arriving in Canada fell by 10.6% in 2023, marking the steepest decline since 1991. Despite this drop, newcomers' earnings one year after admission remained above pre-pandemic figures. The decrease coincided with a 1.1% rise in overall Canadian wages and appears linked to shifts in admission categories, particularly a reduction in Canadian Experience Class principal applicants—who typically comm
Dec 15, 2025


Quebec conducted the largest draw of 2025 and invited candidates under all Arrima streams
On December 9, 2025, the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation et Integration (MIFI) published the results of the 79th invitation round in Quebec’s online system Arrima, which were conducted on December 4, 2025. MIFI invited 605 candidates under Stream 1(Highly qualified and specialized skills), 604 candidates under Stream 2 (Intermediate and manual skills), 649 candidates under Stream 3 (Regulated professions), and 12 candidates under Stream 4 (Exceptional talent).
Dec 15, 2025


Canada invests $1.7 billion to attract world-leading researchers through new global talent initiative
The Canadian Government has announced a major $1.7 billion investment over 12 years to recruit more than 1,000 top international researchers through the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative. This program includes four key streams: the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program ($1 billion), the Emerging Leaders program ($120 million), the Research Infrastructure Fund ($400 million), and the Research Training Awards ($133.6 million). The initiative targets critical re
Dec 15, 2025


Canada faces pressure to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement following Trump's asylum freeze
President Trump's decision to halt asylum claims has intensified calls for Canada to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement, with legal experts warning the pact may no longer be valid. Immigration lawyers argue the U.S. has abandoned its obligation under the UN Refugee Convention, eliminating the agreement's foundation. While some specialists caution that suspension could trigger an influx of asylum seekers—potentially millions currently in the U.S.—others insist Canada fa
Dec 5, 2025


Conservatives push amendment to block mass extension of temporary resident visas
Conservative Shadow Minister for Immigration Michelle Rempel Garner announced that the Conservative Party has introduced an amendment to Bill C-12 to prevent the government from using extraordinary powers to mass-extend temporary resident visas. The move comes amid growing concerns over immigration oversight, following Statistics Canada's revelation that 38 per cent of temporary residents were missed in the last census and reports indicating over a million temporary resident
Dec 4, 2025


Canada's migrant farm workers face systemic exploitation and abuse, investigation reveals
An extensive investigation has uncovered disturbing patterns of exploitation affecting nearly 80,000 temporary foreign workers in Canada's agricultural sector. These workers, who harvest the produce that reaches Canadian tables, face wage theft, unsafe working conditions, inadequate housing, and in some cases, physical and sexual abuse. The Investigative Journalism Bureau's findings, supported by Simon Fraser University research , reveal that the Temporary Foreign Worker Prog
Dec 4, 2025


Immigration priority gains ground as Canadians eye talent attraction for economic growth
Recent polling data reveals a notable shift in Canadian priorities, with 79% of respondents now viewing the attraction of global talent through sustainable immigration as a key government focus, up five points since the summer. This marks the largest increase among Prime Minister Mark Carney's seven national priorities, suggesting Canadians increasingly recognize immigration's role in economic recovery. While the cost of living and housing remain dominant concerns at 91% and
Dec 4, 2025


Chinese immigrants face security clearance hurdles for government positions
Senator Yuen Pau Woo has brought attention to a growing concern affecting Chinese immigrants seeking careers in Canada's public sector. During a Senate foreign affairs committee meeting, the senator described how individuals with minimal ties to Chinese government entities are experiencing delays or rejections in their security clearance applications. These applicants, many of whom are young Canadians hoping to work for members of Parliament or senators, appear to be facing
Dec 4, 2025


Calgary construction site raid sparks debate over Canada's immigration enforcement approach
A recent immigration enforcement action at the construction site of Calgary's new arena has raised concerns that Canada is adopting aggressive tactics similar to those used by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Canada Border Services Agency, accompanied by Calgary police, required workers to present identification, resulting in four individuals being barred from returning to work for lacking proper documentation. Experts warn that involving local police in immig
Nov 28, 2025


UK to enforce new travel permit requirements for Canadian visitors starting February 2026
Starting February 25, 2026, Canadian travellers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization before entering the United Kingdom. The British Government introduced this eTA requirement earlier in 2025, but allowed a grace period for adjustment. The digital permit costs approximately $30 CAD and allows multiple visits for up to 6 months within a 2-year validity period. While most applications receive approval within minutes, officials recommend allowing three
Nov 28, 2025


Canada extends the citizenship act amendment deadline to January 2026
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has granted Canada's Federal Government an additional two months to finalize amendments to the Citizenship Act, pushing the deadline from November 20, 2025, to January 20, 2026. This extension provides Parliament with crucial time to advance Bill C-3, legislation designed to eliminate the First-Generation Limit that currently blocks Canadians born overseas from transmitting citizenship to their foreign-born children. The court ruled this
Nov 20, 2025


Canadian universities face a sharp decline in international student enrolments as Europe and Asia gain ground
Canadian universities are grappling with a significant drop in international student numbers, with 82% reporting lower undergraduate enrolments and 71% seeing decreases at the graduate level compared to last year. New international enrolments have plummeted by more than a third at both bachelor's and master's levels, driven largely by restrictive immigration policies that have made visa acquisition increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, institutions in Asia and Europe are capita
Nov 20, 2025


Canada invests over $1 M to boost bilingual talent and Francophone entrepreneurship in southern Ontario
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) has invested over $1 million to expand bilingual workforce development and Francophone entrepreneurship in southern Ontario. Funding will support Francophone-led organizations such as the Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario and the Conseil régional des Mille-Îles to strengthen up to 12 businesses in tourism, sustainability, and services. The Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de
Nov 20, 2025


Canadian travel to the US plummets amid border concerns and new fingerprinting rules
A significant shift in Canadian travel patterns has emerged as new research reveals a dramatic decline in cross-border trips to the United States. According to the Angus Reid Institute, only 10% of Canadians made multiple trips south in the past year, down from 19% in 2023. The drop comes as two-thirds of Canadians call new US fingerprinting requirements for stays exceeding 29 days "invasive," while 70% express discomfort with winter travel plans. Safety concerns, political
Nov 11, 2025


Quebec announced a new immigration strategy for 2026-2029 with reduced intake targets
Quebec's Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration has introduced the province's immigration framework for 2026-2029, alongside the detailed 2026 Immigration Plan. The strategy aims to limit both temporary and permanent immigration volumes to ease pressure on the province's integration capacity. Quebec will welcome 45,000 permanent residents in 2026, while also admitting between 84,900 and 124,200 temporary residents through the Temporary Foreign Worker and Inter
Nov 10, 2025


Canada updated study permit guidelines with new PAL/TAL requirements
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced important updates to the provincial and territorial attestation letter framework for study permits. Effective November 4, 2025, IRCC has introduced several key clarifications affecting the 2025 allocation period, including revised protocols for PAL/TAL reuse, joint program applications, and processing criteria. The updates also address exception cases requiring Organization/Entity IDs and provide sample docume
Nov 7, 2025


Canadian immigration sentiment holds steady despite ongoing concerns over housing and services
A recent Abacus Data survey of nearly 3,000 Canadians reveals that public opinion on immigration has plateaued after last year's surge in skepticism. While roughly half of Canadians still view current immigration levels negatively and cite pressure on housing and healthcare, the data shows no further hardening of attitudes. With 67% saying the federal government's 2026 target of 380,000 newcomers is too high – down from 72% a year ago – there's evidence that reduced targets
Nov 7, 2025


Canada celebrates 13th National Francophone Immigration Week with a focus on community enrichment
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab launched the 13th National Francophone Immigration Week on November 3, highlighting the theme "Thank you for enriching our Francophonie." The week recognizes the vital contributions Francophone newcomers make to Canada's cultural and economic landscape. Minister Diab announced that the government remains on track to achieve its 2025 target of 8.5% French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec. Federal and provincial ministers are w
Nov 7, 2025
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