In a significant move, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the discontinuation of a policy allowing holders of Canadian visitor visas to apply for work permits within the country.
This decision comes amidst ongoing immigration reforms, which have sparked widespread protests among international students.
The policy, introduced in August 2020, was intended to assist visitors stranded in Canada due to COVID-19 border closures. However, IRCC cited the need to “recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system” as the reason for ending the policy.
The move has raised concerns among international students, who have been protesting against new immigration policies that could lead to the deportation of around 70,000 students. The Canadian government has argued that the measures are necessary to address pressures on housing, unemployment, and public services.
Student advocacy groups have warned that many international graduates may face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year. The IRCC will continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the now-discontinued policy.
