World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. The weekly roundup includes research, stories, and events of interest to the Canadian immigration and settlement community. This content has been created by WES and is reproduced here with their permission, in partnership.
Federal Politics: Concern over immigration quadruples over last 48 months (Angus Reid)
Amidst ongoing economic strains, Canadians are growing increasingly skeptical of immigration levels. Recent polls indicate that over the last two years, federal immigration programs have come under heightened scrutiny, with residents’ concern quadrupling. The stark shifts in public opinion have prompted new measures from the federal government, including plans to shrink the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Nearly one-in-five survey respondents consider “immigration/refugees” is one of the top issues facing the country – closely rivaling climate change, while high cost of living leads at 57 percent, followed by health care (45) and affordability (32). According to pollsters, Canadians’ concern is tied closely to the perceived linking of immigration and social challenges such as unemployment levels, especially as younger Canadians, 18-34, report difficulty in securing long-term employment and facing exclusion, citing perceived competition with temporary foreign workers in the labour market. A similar poll conducted by Leger concluded that most Canadians believe that current permanent residency targets (500,000 annually) are too high. Policy changes, including the scaling back pre-pandemic TFWP expansions, are part of initiatives to stabilize immigration into 2026 and limit the influx of temporary residents.
International student enrolment dropping below federal cap, Universities Canada warns (CTV)
With a new school year underway, campuses across Canada are expected to host fewer international students, according to analysis from Universities Canada. Data demonstrates that enrolment levels observed among students from abroad have dropped below federal limits imposed earlier this year. Under new regulations, the target was set at 364,000 undergraduate study permits, a 35 percent decrease from the nearly 560,000 visas issued in 2023. Higher-ed representatives argue that the cap may be doing more harm than good to Canada’s academic programing, where the country risks damaging its reputation as a top destination for education. Advocates are calling for a pause on future changes to study visa policy until thorough assessments of short and long-term needs, impacts, and risks can be conducted. Canada’s measures reflect global trends, where temporary immigration - albeit for educational purposes, has garnered criticism, as many countries confront explosive growth.
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Reverse Immigration From Canada: Why New Immigrants Are Moving Back? (INC News)
There is a growing trend of reverse immigration, where immigrants who initially moved to Canada are now choosing to return to their home countries or migrate elsewhere. Key reasons for this trend include unmet expectations around economic opportunities, challenges in securing employment due to non-recognition of foreign credentials, language barriers, and a preference for Canadian work experience. Additionally, immigrants face difficulties integrating into Canadian society, including social isolation, cultural adjustment, and discrimination in the job market. The emotional toll of these challenges, including feelings of failure, disappointment, and identity crises, also plays a significant role in their decision to leave. The article highlights the gap between immigrants’ expectations of Canada as a land of opportunity and the reality of challenges they encounter, urging the need for better support and inclusive environments to help immigrants thrive.
Canada turning away more foreigners amid rise in anti-immigration sentiment (The Guardian)
Canada is increasing the refusal of visitor visa applications amid a rise in anti-immigration sentiment, particularly in the lead-up to a federal election. Recent data shows that visa rejections have surpassed approvals in several months of 2024, and the number of foreign travelers denied entry has surged. This trend coincides with a growing public skepticism towards immigration, fueled by economic pressures like the cost of living. The Trudeau government is scaling back its controversial Temporary Foreign Worker Program, criticized by the UN as exploitative. There is also talk of reducing the number of permanent residents accepted annually, which has been rising steadily in recent years. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, whose Conservative Party leads in the polls, blames Trudeau’s immigration policies for straining housing and infrastructure. Trudeau, however, maintains that immigration is essential for economic growth but admits that federal and provincial investments have not kept pace with the influx.
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