Canada’s government has recently announced changes to its immigration policies, which will affect international students. Among the key changes, the government is ending the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program and halting the practice of automatically converting student visas into permanent residency. This shift means that many international students will need to leave the country once their student visas expire.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, discussed these changes during an interview on Tuesday. He emphasized that from the beginning, there was never a guarantee that students who come to Canada would be granted permanent residency. “When people come here and choose to be students, it was never a guarantee that they would become permanent residents,” he said.
Protests by international students have been growing across the country, with many demanding automatic pathways to permanent residency or extensions to their permits. However, Miller stressed that there is a clear distinction between a study permit and a residence permit, and that the government’s primary focus is to maintain a balanced and orderly immigration system.
In 2018, Canada introduced the SDS program to speed up the processing of study permit applications, aiming to process them within 20 days for eligible students from 14 countries. However, the program is now limited to students from certain countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, India, and others, due to rising political tensions.
Miller explained that the government aims to align its visa issuance with Canada’s safety and diplomatic priorities. “The government’s immigration policies are about maintaining order and balancing the system,” he said.
Work Permits and Extensions
Many international students in Canada hold postgraduate work permits (PGWPs), which are set to expire soon. Students have been pressing the government to extend these permits. However, Miller confirmed that there will be no automatic extensions for these students.
“Some students will have to make difficult decisions about whether to stay or leave,” Miller said, adding that the government needs to align work permits with Canada’s labor market needs. Additionally, the government is taking steps to reduce the number of temporary residents, including international students, in an effort to manage immigration more effectively.
Miller also noted that Canada plans to reduce permanent residency by more than 20% as part of a broader immigration reform. This follows a recent reduction in the quota for permanent residency.
Canada’s immigration policies are being reviewed to ensure they address the country’s long-term needs, including its aging population and labor shortages, while also avoiding strain on housing and public services. Miller emphasized that Canada needs to continue attracting young workers to sustain the tax system and healthcare infrastructure. “Ending immigration for three years would not make sense economically,” he added.
Asylum Claims and Immigration Management
Canada has seen a rise in asylum claims, particularly from international students. Miller expressed concern that some students may be misusing asylum claims as a last resort to stay in the country. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of Canada’s refugee system and stressed that not all asylum claims are legitimate.
Miller also noted that managing immigration requires collaboration between federal, provincial, and educational institutions. This approach ensures that the immigration system can meet the demands of the labor market while addressing the social and economic needs of local communities. Each province has its own unique requirements, and Miller’s goal is to develop a system that caters to these needs without compromising the overall immigration framework.
In summary, Canada’s evolving immigration policies are set to have a significant impact on international students. The government is seeking to balance the country’s long-term immigration goals with the needs of its labor market, economy, and social services, while also managing the flow of students and permanent residents.
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