In a significant shift in immigration policy, Canada rejected over 2.3 million temporary resident applications in 2024, marking its highest-ever rejection rate. According to data obtained by the Toronto Star, the rejection rate surged from 35% in 2023 to 50% in 2024, reflecting growing scrutiny on temporary immigration amid rising public concerns over housing affordability and economic pressures.
Record-Breaking Denials Across Visa Categories
In 2024, Canadian immigration officials denied 2,359,157 applications for temporary residence, a sharp increase from 1,846,180 refusals in 2023. The most notable rise was observed in visitor visa applications, with 1.95 million refusals—accounting for 54% of all requests, up from 40% the previous year. Study permit rejections reached 52%, while work permit refusals slightly decreased to 22%, compared to 23% in 2023.
Policy Changes and Their Impact
The surge in rejections comes as the Canadian federal government faces mounting pressure to curb temporary immigration. In response, Ottawa has lowered its permanent residency targets for the next three years—395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. Additionally, officials are urging temporary residents to leave upon permit expiry while offering selective pathways to permanent residency for qualified applicants.
Despite the stricter approach, internal data indicates that many temporary residents are seeking legal means to extend their stay. Applications for visitor records, which allow individuals to remain in Canada without work or study rights, nearly doubled from 196,965 in 2019 to 389,254 in 2024. The approval rate for these applications, however, remains high, with only about 5% facing rejection.
Declining Foreign Student Numbers and Economic Implications
Canada is not alone in witnessing a downturn in foreign student applications. In 2024, student visa applications dropped by 46%—from 868,000 in 2023 to 469,000. Similar declines have been observed in other major study destinations, including Australia, the UK, and the United States.
Industry experts warn that these policy shifts could have profound economic implications. “Policy changes across major study destinations have not only impacted students but also significantly affected the financial health of institutions,” noted Sanjay Laul, founder of MSM Group. International students contributed CAD 22 billion to Canada’s economy in 2022, but this figure is projected to decline sharply in 2024 as visa rejections rise and enrollment numbers dwindle.
As Canada recalibrates its immigration policies, the long-term effects on economic growth, labor markets, and higher education institutions remain to be seen. The evolving landscape underscores the need for a balanced approach that addresses domestic concerns while sustaining Canada’s global reputation as a desirable destination for talent and investment.
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