Top 10 Updates in the Canadian Immigration System for 2024

1. Overhaul of the International Student Program
   In January 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented significant changes to Canada's international student program. A new cap of 360,000 international students has been set for 2024, with a mandatory Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) required for most study permit applications. This PAL must be obtained from a province or territory. For 2025, the intake cap will be determined later in the year. Additionally, there are new restrictions aimed at creating a more sustainable student program. Spouses of international students will now only be eligible for open work permits if their partner is enrolled in Master's, Doctoral, or select professional programs. The proof-of-funds requirement has increased from $10,000 to $20,635. The pre-Covid work hour limits for off-campus work have been reinstated, allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week starting Fall 2024. Furthermore, students in programs linked to curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits.

2. Proposed Amendments to the Citizenship Act
   On December 19, 2023, the Ontario Superior Court ruled the government's first-generation cut-off rule for Canadian citizenship unconstitutional. In January 2024, the Federal Government announced it would not appeal this decision, allowing it to be legislated. On May 23, 2024, Bill C-71 was introduced to amend the Citizenship Act. This bill will automatically grant Canadian citizenship to individuals who would have been citizens but for the first-generation limit. It also proposes a new framework for citizenship by descent, enabling access to citizenship beyond the first generation based on a significant connection to Canada. The House of Commons is expected to vote on this legislation in Fall 2024.

3. Revamped Start-up Visa and Self-Employed PR Programs
   The Start-up Visa Program has been revised due to high application volumes. Each Designated Organization can now endorse up to 10 start-ups for permanent residence (PR) applications. Meanwhile, the Self-Employed Persons Program is paused until January 2027 due to lengthy processing times exceeding four years. During this pause, IRCC will continue processing existing applications and exploring program reforms. Conversely, start-ups backed by Canadian capital or business incubators within Canada's Tech Network will receive priority processing. Green and Spiegel’s SUV team is specialized in navigating the revised Start-up Visa Program.

4. Permanent Residency on Arrival for Caregivers
   In June 2024, IRCC launched pilot programs that replace the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Programs. These new programs enable caregivers with Canadian work permits to receive PR upon arrival without the prior requirement of one year of Canadian work experience. The guidelines have been relaxed to allow caregivers to work with organizations providing temporary and part-time care. These measures aim to streamline the path to employment and permanent residency for caregivers and address Canada's growing caregiving needs. IRCC may make these pilot programs permanent based on uptake.

5. Reopening of the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
   After a suspension in 2019, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program reopened in January 2024. This program is designed for foreign nationals with a net worth of over $2,000,000 who wish to immigrate to Quebec through passive investment. Applicants must enter into an investment agreement with a designated financial intermediary, committing $1,000,000 for five years, along with a non-refundable contribution of $200,000 to Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs inc. The $1,000,000 investment will be refunded at the end of the term without interest. To qualify for PR, investors must reside in Quebec for at least 12 months within two years, with at least 6 months spent personally.

6. Introduction of the Innovation Stream Work Permit
   In March 2024, IRCC introduced the “Innovation Stream” work permit as part of the Tech Talent Strategy. This pathway allows highly skilled workers with job offers from employers participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project (GHP) to obtain an employer-specific, LMIA-exempt work permit. Job offers in TEER categories 0 or 1 will benefit from expedited processing. These permits are valid for up to 5 years and restrict work to the designated employer.

7. Targeted Crisis Response Policies
   IRCC has introduced region-specific temporary immigration policies in response to global conflicts:

   • Sudan: As of February 27, 2024, a new policy facilitates PR for foreign nationals affected by the Sudan conflict who have Canadian family members. This policy will remain in effect for one year or until 3,250 applications are received.

   • Middle East: Temporary measures have been implemented for Israeli nationals, Palestinian passport holders, and their families who left Israel or the Palestinian Territories after October 7, 2023. They may be eligible for temporary resident visas or fee-exempt study/work permits until July 31, 2025.

   • Haiti: From May 23, 2024, Haitians with valid temporary resident status in Canada can apply for fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, or status extensions.

   • Iran: Special measures for Iranian nationals with temporary status in Canada have been extended until February 28, 2025, including fee exemptions for extensions and permit applications. Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Iran can also apply for limited-validity passports and documents free of charge.

   • Ukraine: Ukrainian nationals under the Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) who experienced delays can now travel to Canada and apply for fee-exempt study or work permits until July 31, 2024.

8. New Requirements for Mexican Nationals
   Starting February 29, 2024, Mexican passport holders traveling to Canada by air with a valid US non-immigrant visa or a Canadian visa from the past 10 years must obtain an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Existing eTAs will be canceled unless accompanied by a valid work or study permit. Those with valid US visas can still travel to Canada visa-free.

9. Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Intake
   In 2024, IRCC plans to invite 35,700 applicants from the parent and grandparent PR pool to sponsor their relatives for Canadian permanent residency. Invitations will be drawn from those who submitted Interest to Sponsor forms in 2020. Sponsors will receive deadlines for submitting their applications. Invitations began being issued on May 21, 2024.

10. Enhanced Focus on Francophone Immigration
    In January 2024, IRCC introduced a new Policy on Francophone Immigration, aiming to increase the number of French-speaking permanent residents. This policy features a 5-year implementation plan with targets for admissions, collaboration with stakeholders, and promotion of Francophone communities. For 2024, IRCC will accept 26,100 applications from French-speaking individuals outside Quebec. This policy builds on previous initiatives, including the language-based Express Entry draws and the expanded Francophone Mobility Program.