Group Refugee Sponsorships Paused, Study Policy Extensions, Pressure on Indian Students and Other December 2024 Canada Updates

Groups of Five and Community Sponsorships of Refugees to be Temporarily Paused

IRCC have announced that groups of five and community sponsorships under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program are to be temporarily paused.

This pause came into effect on 29 November 2024 and will remain in effect until 31 December 2025.

According to IRCC, applications from private sponsors in the PSR Program have far exceeded the number of available places available under the current immigration levels plan. This has reportedly led to a backlog of applications and overly long processing times for applicants.

The new Immigration Levels plan for 2025-2027 was also factored into account when enforcing this pause, in which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the government would gradually reduce the number of temporary and permanent residents accepted into Canada over the next two years.

IRCC will still process PSR Program applications that were submitted before the pause came into effect, with an overall view to accept 23,000 refugees into Canada during the year 2025.

Extension of Policy Allowing Certain Work Permit Holders to Study Without a Dedicated Study Permit

IRCC have updated their guidelines to extend a public policy that allows certain work permit holders to study in Canada without a dedicated study permit.

This policy, first introduced in June 2023, has now been extended to 27 June 2026.

Work permit holders in Canada will only be able to benefit from this policy if one of the following situations applies:

• You have a valid work permit that you applied for on or before 7 June 2023, or
• You have a letter authorising you to work while your work permit extension application that was submitted on or before 7 June 2023 is processed by IRCC

Any applicants who applied for a work permit after 7 June 2023 will not be able to benefit from this policy.

Work permit holders eligible for this policy will typically only be able to study in Canada until the expiry date of their work permit or until the policy is due to end on 27 June 2026, whichever is earlier.

Concern as Indian Students Asked to Resubmit Official Documents for Study Permits

Indian students in Canada have reportedly received emails from IRCC asking them to resubmit official documents such as study permits, attendance and mark records and even details of part-time jobs, causing general concern and worry.

As reported by the Times of India, emails were sent out to current international students in Canada, some of which still have two years’ worth of validity on their study permits.

Some students were even reportedly asked to attend IRCC offices in person to verify their details.

Students have reported feelings of anxiety and concern over the additional scrutiny, given that the majority were already in Canada on valid study permits.

Manisha Patel, a business management student from British Columbia, stated: “I chose Canada for its welcoming environment, but this feels unfair…I am already struggling to find an internship, which is mandatory in our final year. It feels like they do not want us here anymore.”

The news also comes in the wake of the Canadian government’s announcement to crack down on immigration numbers, including international students. The number of international students in Canada rose to over 1 million in 2023, representing a 29% increase from 2022.

Affected students have been advised to follow the directions stated in the emails quickly and accurately in order to continue to secure their permission to stay in Canada.

Looking Ahead to 2025: New Canadian Immigration Programs

Despite the Canadian government’s general plans to reduce the number of permanent residents being accepted into the country, IRCC are due to launch several new pathways to permanent residence in 2025.

While some of these are continuations or adaptations of previously held programs, some represent completely brand-new pathways for permanent residency immigration.

The new programs set to launch next year include the following:

• Enhanced Caregiver Pilot Programs: Intended to replace the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot programs that ended in 2024, this will give caregivers the opportunity to settle in Canada as long as they meet eligibility such as having an offer of a full-time home care job.
• Rural Community Immigration Pilot: Similar to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot that ended in 2024, this will also be aimed at applicants who can help to fulfil local labour shortages in small rural communities in Canada.
• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot: This new pathway will focus on francophone immigration to communities outside of Quebec in order to ensure “economic development of francophone minority communities, while also helping to restore and increase their demographic weight.”
• Manitoba West Central Immigration Initiative Pilot: Created to help address labour shortages in the Manitoba West Central region, this three-year pilot will accept around 240 to 300 individuals to live and work in seven different municipalities and Gambler First Nation.

How Can IAS Help With Your Canadian Immigration Application?

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Our CICC-qualified immigration consultants can help you with numerous facets of Canadian immigration, including skilled worker, family, student or provincial-based immigration.

We can also give close guidance and support on Express Entry and the CRS, helping you to maximise your chances of being accepted for one of Canada’s prestigious immigration programmes.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help on your situation today. Call us on +1 844 290 6312 or reach out to us online.