published on 9 January 2025 @ 4:22 pm · COMMENT
Key Changes to Immigration Programs from IRCC
Several recent developments announced by the Canadian government, reflect significant changes across various pathways and programs. Below is a summary of the most notable announcements:
- Expanded International Experience Canada (IEC) Opportunities for Australians:
In December 2024, the Canadian government implemented an enhancement to the bilateral IEC agreement with Australia. Beginning on December 18, 2024, Australians aged 18 to 35 will now be eligible for up to two participations in the IEC program.
Applicants may participate in either the Working Holiday or Young Professionals category for a duration of up to 24 months. Additionally, they are allowed a separate participation of up to 12 months in the International Co-op (Internship) category.
This expanded access is designed to strengthen ties between Canada and Australia and create greater flexibility for young Australians seeking cultural exchange and work experience in Canada.
- Temporary Pause on Refugee Sponsorship Applications for Groups of Five and Community Sponsors:
As of November 29, 2024, the Canadian government has temporarily paused the intake of new refugee sponsorship applications from Groups of Five and Community Sponsors, until December 31, 2025. The government has stated that this measure is necessary to address the current backlog and ensure timely processing of existing applications, with a goal to welcome 23,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2025.
- Permanent Residence Pathway for Youth Formerly in State Care Expanded to Include Quebec:
The government has announced an important expansion to its permanent residence pathway for youth formerly in state care. Initially introduced earlier in 2024, this pathway was designed to provide individuals in Canada who were in the Canadian child welfare system, such as foster care or group homes, for at least one year, with a stable immigration status and opportunities for long-term integration.
The November announcement extends the program’s eligibility to include individuals who were in state care in Quebec, ensuring national coverage for this initiative effective November 28, 2024.
- Extension of Open Work Permit Policy for TR-PR Pathway Applicants:
The temporary public policy allowing open work permits for applicants under the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR-PR) Pathway has been extended until December 31, 2026. Launched in 2021, the TR-PR program aimed to transition temporary residents in essential sectors, healthcare, and recent graduates to permanent status. Although closed to new applicants since November 2021, many applications remain in process. The extension of this policy allowing open work permits to be issued to these applicants and their eligible family members provides a smoother transition, avoiding the need for frequent renewals or loss of employment while their application for permanent residence is processed.
- Closure of the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express Programs:
The Student Direct Stream, launched in 2018, was designed to expedite the processing of study permits for post-secondary students from eligible countries. This program was open to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. Similarly, the Nigeria Student Express program offered streamlined processing for prospective university students from Nigeria.
Effective November 8, 2024, both programs have been discontinued as the newest change in the overhaul of Canada’s International Student Program regulations. These changes, along with numerous other changes made in 2024, aim to enhance program integrity, mitigate vulnerabilities faced by international students, and promote fairness and equity in the application process. The government has also emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students enjoy a positive and successful academic experience in Canada.
While these specific programs have ended, Canada remains committed to welcoming international students from around the world. Citizens of countries previously eligible under the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express can continue to apply for study permits through the regular study permit application process.
filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE