Canada Tightens Immigration as Visa Rejections Surge

• Canada is turning away a record number of immigrants and travelers, with a notable 20% increase in visa rejections and border refusals.
• In July 2024, the country refused entry to 5,853 foreign travelers, marking the highest monthly rejection since early 2019, including workers, students, and tourists.
• The rise in refusals comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government faces mounting pressure to address housing shortages and high living costs, with some blaming the influx of migrants for these issues.
• The government’s efforts to limit immigration include reducing approved visas, capping study permits, and restricting the hiring of low-wage Temporary Foreign Workers in industries with high unemployment rates.

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Canada has seen a significant increase in visa rejections and border refusals, as the country turns away immigrants and travelers at unprecedented rates. Government data, as reported by Reuters, reveals a 20% rise in visa denials compared to the previous year. This uptick comes amid concerns over housing shortages and soaring costs of living, with public pressure mounting on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government to curb the flow of temporary residents.

In July 2024 alone, a staggering 5,853 foreign travelers were denied entry into Canada—the highest monthly figure since January 2019. These travelers included tourists, workers, and international students, many of whom held official documentation but were deemed inadmissible by border authorities. In the same month, 285 visa holders were also refused entry, a record for visa-holder rejections since 2019.

According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), there has been no change in its role or policies, but the rising number of refusals has triggered speculation about tighter immigration controls. A CBSA spokesperson told Reuters that the agency’s mandate remains the same: to assess the admissibility of individuals entering the country.

However, recent trends point toward a government-driven effort to reduce the number of temporary residents. The immigration department has approved fewer visas in recent months, with rejection rates outpacing approvals. In key months such as January, February, May, and June 2024, more visitor visa applications were refused than approved, highlighting a tightening immigration framework.

The volume of study and work permits issued has also declined compared to the highs of 2022 and 2023. This trend aligns with broader government objectives to limit the number of people applying for permanent residency, particularly as the country grapples with housing supply issues.

In January 2024, the government introduced a cap on study permits for international students, while also scaling back its Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program. Under the new guidelines, industries with unemployment rates of 6% or higher are restricted from hiring low-wage foreign workers, except in critical food security sectors like agriculture and food processing.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller, commenting on the situation in August, emphasized that Canadians want a more controlled system, hinting at further efforts to manage the country’s immigration levels. With public concerns growing over the economic impact of migration, the government’s tighter immigration policies are likely to remain a key focus in the coming months.