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.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Predictions for Canada’s International Student Program (ApplyBoard)
Recent data from ApplyBoard shows a 54 percent drop in study permits processed in Q2 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with an overall projected 39 percent decrease in applications for the year. This drastic reduction is already outpacing the federal government's goal of reducing study permit applications by 35 percent. Higher-ed officials are urging the government to avoid further cuts, warning that continued restrictions could harm the quality of education by increasing class sizes and reducing research opportunities. If current trends continue, the total number of new study permits approved in 2024 is expected to fall to levels seen in 2018 and 2019. For example, projections estimate that around 231,000 study permits will be approved in 2024, which is 47 percent lower than in 2023.
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Changes to temporary foreign worker program will hurt workers and province, experts say (The Independent)
The federal government's recent adjustments to scale back the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) continue to draw criticism; advocates are calling on the government to focus on prioritizing rights and protections for workers. Local migrant worker support coalitions continue to question whether new measures are the correct approach, referring to concerns that the reformed program may continue to dehumanize workers and cause further harm to those who are facing precarity and exploitation. A recent poll from the Angus Reid Institute indicates that 43 percent of respondents say that the TFWP should continue under new policy, 14 percent believe the changes were not necessary, while 22 percent believe that the program should be abolished entirely. When asked about providing a pathway to citizenship for all temporary workers, 36 percent are in support, while 52 percent strongly disagree. Due to mounting fiscal challenges, economists are calling for additional tailored reductions to the size of non-permanent resident populations.
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Unemployment in Canada: A Report From the Survey on Employment and Skills (Ted Rogers Diversity Institute Research Report)
The labour market has shifted dramatically since the pandemic, leading to chronic shortages in critical industries as well as a rise in unemployment levels across the country. Environics research analyzes labour market trends of unemployed residents across employment statuses, timeline of unemployment, and intent to return to the workforce. Their findings show that long-term unemployment is experienced largely by individuals without postsecondary education and those with disabilities that impact their daily activities. The most common reason for individuals not looking to immediately re-enter the workforce is related to health. According to survey results, 63 percent of the respondents said that they are not looking for work due to mental or physical health issues. Additionally, many respondents cited factors including childcare or family obligations, previous experiences of discrimination at work, lack of skills and experience, and lack of desire to work. Discrimination not only negatively impacts underemployment rates but also disproportionately impacts the employability of Black and racialized peoples, persons with disabilities, and immigrants to Canada. Residents also suggested discouragement due to an apparent lack of jobs within their preferred sectors. A path forward should include culturally responsive career pathing and counselling, upskilling programs, and inclusive workplaces.
Hopeful immigrants to Canada are learning French after other paths to permanent residency prove difficult (The Globe & Mail)
Many immigrants to Canada are learning French to improve their chances of permanent residency after other pathways, like Express Entry, became more competitive with rising score requirements. Canada introduced a French-language proficiency category to attract immigrants for labour shortages in francophone communities outside Quebec, allowing applicants with lower scores to qualify. This has led non-francophones to study French to increase their chances of success. However, some experts argue this focus on French disadvantages highly skilled immigrants who could contribute more economically but do not speak the language. There is growing debate about whether favoring French-language proficiency best serves Canada’s economic and productivity needs.
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