Canada Policy Changes to Medical Exams, Post-Graduation Work Permits and Other October 2024 Updates

Relaxed Medical Examination Requirements for Low-Risk Applicants in Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have announced an extension to an existing policy that exempts certain applicants in Canada from having to take additional immigration medical examinations (IME) for future applications.

The following individuals can benefit from this policy, which has now been extended to 5 October 2029:

• Those with a new or pending application for permanent or temporary residence or a permanent resident visa made from within Canada
• Those who have completed an IME within the last 5 years and have posed no risk to public health or safety, or have reported to public health authorities for monitoring if necessary

IRCC have stated that the policy has facilitated faster processing for applications and improved client service for foreign nationals in Canada, with over 286,000 individuals having benefitted from it in the two years since its introduction.

Individuals who are not eligible under this policy will still need to undertake an IME as normal and will be contacted by IRCC to discuss further steps.

Eligibility Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit

From 1 November 2024, there will be additional eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that applicants will have to meet.

The main new criteria being added is a language requirement. From 1 November 2024, PGWP applicants must prove that they meet a certain score in either the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) in French. The specific scores that must be attained will vary based on the course or program chosen.

Additionally, graduates of certain courses or programs will need to fulfil a new “field of study” criteria in order to be eligible for a PGWP. This will require certain applicants to have completed studies in fields linked to long-term shortages.

The eligible fields include the following:

• Agriculture and agri-food
• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics
• Trade
• Transport

PGWP applicants who apply for a permit before 1 November 2024 are exempt from the new requirements, as are any applicants who graduate from a PGWP-eligible flight school.

Changes to Pre-Approval Risk Assessments for Venezuelan Citizens

In response to the developing situation in Venezuela, IRCC have made pre-removal risk assessments (PRRA) available to Venezuelan citizens who received a negative final decision on their claim for refugee protection between 10 October 2023 and 9 October 2024.

Normally, individuals who have received a negative decision on their application are not eligible to apply for PRRAs for 12 months following the date of receiving the result. However, IRCC are able to implement exemptions to this rule if there are “sudden and significant changes” in the conditions of an individual’s country of origin that may create additional risk.

Since the disputed presidential elections in July 2024, concerns have been raised over the conditions in Venezuela, including protesters and political opposition members being arrested.

IRCC have acknowledged that certain individuals may be at risk if they are sent back to Venezuela, hence the policy exemption being made.

Eligible individuals from Venezuela will be contacted and be told that they can apply for a PRRA if they are currently subject to an enforceable removal order.

Majority in Canada Believe There is Too Much Immigration, Says Report

A report has shown that for the first time in 25 years, the majority of Canadians believe that there is too much immigration into the country.

The report was published by the Environics Institute, which conducts an annual survey into public opinion on immigration and refugees, known as Focus Canada.

The latest data has shown that 58% of Canadians believe the country accepts too many immigrants, reflecting a 14% increase on the previous year’s data and the highest overall percentage since 1998.

The report also showed the highest opposition to immigration levels in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, while Quebec had the lowest levels of anti-immigration sentiment.

Among some of the concerns raised by respondents to the survey included a general lack of
housing availability, concerns about the economy, overpopulation, and a lack of ability for immigrants to integrate into Canadian society.

How Can IAS Help With Your Canadian Immigration Application?

IAS have a team of immigration consultants and caseworkers experienced in the field of Canadian immigration.

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.