Canada is tightening its immigration policies by issuing fewer visas and increasing rejections of visitors, students, and workers, according to recent Reuters data. This shift aligns with the Liberal government’s strategy under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to limit the number of temporary and potential permanent residents. The move is partly driven by concerns over the housing shortage, which is attributed to an influx of migrants.
Canada’s historically welcoming stance toward immigrants is changing. Public sentiment now suggests that the country is admitting too many newcomers, influencing both immigration and border policies. In July, Canada rejected 5,853 foreign travelers, including tourists, students, and workers. This figure represents the highest monthly total since January 2019.
Border officials have averaged 3,727 rejections per month during the first seven months of 2024, marking a 20% increase from the previous year, according to Reuters. Additionally, in July, Canada deemed 285 visa-holders inadmissible, the highest number since 2019. A spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency noted that these decisions are influenced by changing migration trends and policy adjustments, though no specific policy changes were mentioned.
The immigration department has also been approving fewer visas. In June, the ratio of denied visitor visa applications to approvals reached its highest point since the pandemic’s peak, with more refusals than approvals in several months of 2024. Approvals for study and work permits have also declined from previous highs. Immigration Minister Marc Miller commented in August that Canadians expect a well-managed immigration system.
Miller’s office linked the drop in study permit approvals to a cap introduced in January, though the decline began last year. Reports from eight lawyers indicate increased scrutiny of visa-holders at the borders. British Columbia attorney Will Tao told Reuters that some clients faced intense questioning and were advised to return or face deportation, reflecting a significant policy shift.
One individual shared his experience of being barred entry from Paris to Toronto last September. Despite having his visa canceled and being sent back to Accra, he remains hopeful about visiting Canada again. Gideon Christian from the University of Calgary criticized the practice of issuing visas that are not honored, questioning the logic behind such admissions.