In recent years, Canada has experienced a significant surge in immigration, leading to various policy adjustments aimed at managing the large numbers of immigrants coming in every year. Canada has always been recognized for its welcoming stance toward immigrants, as they become essential contributors to economic growth and cultural diversity of the country eventually. However, the rapid increase in immigration has presented indispensable challenges. These include housing shortages, strained public services, and shifting public opinion.
Government’s Response?
In response to these challenges, the Canadian government announced the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan in October 2024. This plan aims to control population growth in the present so that a well-managed, sustainable growth can be achieved in the long term. For the first time, the government of Canada has opted for restricting the intake for temporary residents, specifically international students and foreign workers.
Caps on Temporary Residents
The plan sets a goal to reduce the number of temporary residents from 6.5% of the total population to 5% over the span of next three years. This reduction in the intake of immigrants signifies a significant shift from previous policies that encouraged higher immigration levels. This shift can also be sensed in the combined sentiment of the local nationals, as they find higher immigration levels to affect their job prospects. Recently the news of increasing unemployment gap in Canada went viral, highlighting the long due need to better regulate the immigration landscape.
The decision to cap temporary residents stems from concerns about the country’s capacity to accommodate rapid population growth. Services such as education and healthcare have struggled to keep pace with the increasing number of residents, forcing the government to implement these measures. The government has planned to finalize these targets in consultation with provincial and territorial counterparts, ensuring a coordinated approach to immigration management.
Increase in Application Fees for Temporary Residents
Now adding on to the caps on temporary residents, Canada has also adjusted its fee structure for various immigration pathways. Effective December 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) increased application and processing fees for several temporary resident categories.
The fee adjustments affect the following categories:
Restoration of Temporary Resident Status:
- Applicable to visitors, students, and workers seeking to regain their legal status in Canada.
- Previous Fees:
- Visitors: $229.00
- Students: $379.00
- Workers: $384.00
Authorization to Return to Canada:
- For individuals previously required to leave Canada due to inadmissibility.
- Previous Fee: $459.55
Criminal Rehabilitation Applications:
- For those seeking to overcome inadmissibility due to criminality or serious criminality.
- Previous Fees:
- Regular Criminal Rehabilitation: $229.77
- Serious Criminality: $1,148.87
Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs):
- Allow individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to enter or remain in Canada under specific conditions.
- Previous Fee: $229.77
While the exact fee increases vary by category, applicants are advised to consult the official IRCC website or a professional immigration lawyer for detailed information.
Please Note: Applications submitted with the correct fees before December 1, 2024, will be processed under the previous fee structure. However, applications sent via mail may experience delays, and additional payments might be required if the application is processed after the fee increase.
Implications for Prospective Immigrants
These policy changes act as evidence for Canada’s efforts to balance immigration with its socio-economic infrastructure. Our Immigration Lawyers recommend that any aspiring immigrant, international student, and temporary worker must be updated of the new caps and fee structures, as these factors could immensely influence your plan to move to Canada.
How can Our Immigration Lawyers help you?
Canada’s recent adjustments to its immigration policies signifies a strategic shift toward sustainable population growth. If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada or are already residing here and facing challenges with your immigration status, we’re here to help. Call our Immigration Lawyers at 905-405-0199 to explore the best possible options for you.
