Immigration Minister Marc Miller has already implemented a 35% cut in foreign student visas and is considering further changes, including restricting off-campus work hours and reviewing the temporary foreign worker program.
The minister acknowledges the economic benefits of temporary workers but is concerned about rising housing costs and public discontent.
Miller is grappling with balancing economic needs and maintaining a structured immigration system, acknowledging the necessity for a broader discussion on labour cost management.
The tightening of rules on students and potential changes to off-campus work hours are part of the government's effort to address the challenges posed by a surge in temporary newcomers contributing to labour force gaps but impacting housing affordability.
The minister is working with the Employment Minister to review the temporary foreign worker program, aiming to address abuse concerns in lower-wage sectors while being mindful of potential consequences for businesses and the economy.
#labour_storage, #work_in_Canada, #housing_crisis, International_students, #study_in_Canada, #study_permits
February 10, 2024
Canadian colleges and universities have called on the Government of Canada to reconsider its plan to cap study permits, which has led to a drop in international student applications.
The plan requires students to obtain attestation letters from the provinces they will study in, confirming they fall under the new provincial cap. However, lobby groups Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada expressed concerns about provinces not having a process to issue these letters.
The groups stressed the need for time to adapt to the new system, as the sudden stoppage is already affecting enrollments and could harm Canada’s reputation as an education destination.
#International_students, #Study_in_Canada, #study_permits
February 10, 2024
Despite being a significant part of the healthcare workforce, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) encounter barriers, such as limited residency spots and preferences for graduates from domestic medical schools.
The struggle for IMGs to secure medical residencies contributes to the country's shortage of primary care doctors. Government data reveals that immigrants comprise a substantial portion of healthcare workers in various professions, including 36% of physicians.
However, the challenge lies in integrating foreign-trained doctors into the Canadian healthcare system. Canada is addressing this issue by investing in foreign credential recognition.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has committed up to $86 million in funding to 15 organizations across the country.
This initiative aims to increase the recognition of international credentials for approximately 6,600 highly skilled health professionals, ensuring their proper integration into the Canadian healthcare landscape.
#healthcare_workers #immigration_to_canada #nternational_Medical_Graduates #work_in_canada #skilled_health_professionals
February 6, 2024
Businesses in Northern Ontario are concerned about the potential end of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) this year, fearing it may impact their ability to recruit necessary employees.
They are urging local MPs Viviane Lapointe and Marc Serre to make RNIP a permanent program under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The Chamber of Commerce's Geoffrey Hatton states that the program facilitates finding skilled labour. In 2023, RNIP helped 2,475 foreigners become permanent residents of Canada, more than double the number from 2022.
#IRCC, #RNIP, #Sudbury, #rural_immigration
February 5, 2024
