Canada Rejects Over 2 Million Temporary Resident Applications

Ottawa, Canada – Canada, widely known as a hotspot for international students, skilled workers, and tourists, has moved to tighten its immigration policies amid growing pressures on its housing and public services.

According to recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the country has already rejected approximately 2.36 million temporary resident applications in 2024 alone.

The Canadian government says the move is part of a broader immigration strategy aimed at reducing strain on housing, healthcare, and other essential infrastructure. Authorities also stress that the new rules are designed to attract "top global talent" to strengthen Canada’s economy.

Breakdown of visa rejections in 2024:

• Visitor Visas: About 1.95 million visitor visa applications were rejected, surpassing the rejection rates recorded in 2023, where nearly 40% of applications were turned down.
• Study Permits: Around 290,317 international student applications were refused, marking a rise from last year.
• Work Permits: Approximately 115,549 work permit applications were also denied under the new, stricter policy.

Why is Canada cutting temporary resident numbers?

The IRCC announced that the government plans to significantly reduce the number of temporary residents by 2026, citing key reasons:

1. Pressure on Public Services: A post-pandemic rise in temporary residents has intensified demands on Canada’s housing market, healthcare system, and public services.
2. Visitor Visa Overstays: Authorities noted an increase in visitors overstaying their visas, prompting tougher screening and higher rejection rates.
3. Student Visa Fraud & Dropouts: Nearly 50,000 international students were found not to be actively studying after entering the country, leading to a 52% refusal rate for study permits in 2024.
4. International Student Program Reform: Canada has implemented caps on international student intakes, stronger financial proof requirements, and stricter verification processes to combat fraud and overstays. This has led some prospective students to consider alternative study destinations.
5. Tighter Work Permit Policies: Despite labour shortages in sectors like healthcare, construction, and tourism, the government is reducing work permit approvals to regulate migrant inflows.

Impact on Canada's Economy

Experts say the stricter immigration measures could have mixed economic effects:

• On the positive side, fewer migrants may help ease Canada’s housing crisis, reduce rent pressures, and lower healthcare wait times.
• However, with Canada’s ageing population and growing labour gaps in key industries, some analysts suggest the government might eventually need to recalibrate its immigration policies.

For now, visa applicants should prepare for a more rigorous application process and heightened scrutiny from Canadian immigration authorities.