In the past few years, Canada’s immigration landscape has seen dramatic shifts, from welcoming policies during COVID-19 to an increasingly restrictive environment today. With record-high CRS scores, student protests, and a crackdown on fraud, the immigration system is undergoing a major transformation. Here’s a deep dive into the current situation.
The COVID-19 Immigration Boom
During the pandemic, Canada flung open its doors to immigrants. With labor shortages at their peak and an aging workforce, the government introduced policies to boost immigration. Express Entry draws saw historically low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, and international students and temporary workers were given easier pathways to permanent residency. Employers, desperate for workers, turned to the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) program, which allowed them to hire foreign workers with relative ease.
This led to a surge of newcomers, many of whom entered through provincial nominee programs, post-graduation work permits, and other temporary-to-permanent pathways. However, as the economy slowed and housing shortages worsened, public sentiment began to shift.
The Rise in CRS Scores and the LMIA Policy Shift
Fast forward to 2024, and the situation has flipped. Express Entry draws now demand CRS scores of 500+, making it increasingly difficult for candidates to qualify for permanent residency. The removal of LMIA-based job offers from CRS points calculations has also dealt a blow to many foreign workers who had counted on employer sponsorship to boost their scores. With stricter criteria and fewer pathways, many temporary residents now find themselves stuck in limbo, unable to transition to permanent status.
The Diploma Mill Scandal & Student Protests
One of the biggest scandals to rock Canada’s immigration system has been the rise of diploma mills—institutions that offer subpar education to international students while charging exorbitant tuition fees. Unsuspecting students, often from India and other South Asian countries, were lured in with promises of easy work permits and PR opportunities. Many arrived in Canada only to find that their colleges were unaccredited or lacked proper job placement support.
This has led to mass student protests, particularly in Ontario, where thousands of students have spoken out against predatory recruitment practices. The federal government, in response, has introduced the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement, making it harder for shady institutions to enroll international students.
The Soaring Refugee Claims
Another major issue is the rise in asylum claims. With tightening immigration policies, many people who originally came on visitor visas, work permits, or student visas are now turning to refugee claims as a last resort. The backlog at the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) is growing, with thousands of cases pending. Some claimants are genuine, fleeing real persecution, while others are using the system as a loophole to stay in Canada.
IRCC’s Crackdown on Immigration Fraud
Recognizing these issues, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun implementing stricter regulations to combat fraud. Some of the key measures include:
-
Increased scrutiny on study permit applications
-
Crackdown on fraudulent immigration consultants
-
Reassessing provincial nominee programs to prevent misuse
-
More employer compliance audits for LMIAs
Despite these efforts, fraudulent agents and unscrupulous consultants continue to exploit desperate immigrants. Many charge exorbitant fees for fake job offers, fraudulent documentation, and bogus college admissions. With students and workers eager to secure a future in Canada, these scams remain rampant.
The Road Ahead
Canada remains one of the top destinations for immigrants, but the rules of the game are changing. With rising barriers to PR, increased scrutiny of educational institutions, and growing concerns about affordability and job security, many potential immigrants must rethink their strategies.
For those looking to move to Canada, due diligence is more important than ever—research schools carefully, verify job offers, and avoid unlicensed immigration agents. The system is evolving, and only those who are well-prepared will successfully navigate the road to Canadian residency.
About the Author
