Canada has intensified its immigration policies, resulting in a record-high rejection of temporary resident applications. According to data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), approximately 2.36 million applications were denied in 2024, signaling a major shift in the country’s approach to managing migration.
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The Canadian government’s new immigration plan aims to address the pressure on housing, infrastructure, and social services caused by the influx of temporary residents. Former Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that the policy seeks to attract top-tier talent for work and study while ensuring a balanced integration into Canada’s economy. However, these new restrictions have posed significant challenges for applicants, particularly Nigerians seeking visas.
Breakdown of Visa Rejections
Rejection rates have surged across multiple visa categories:
• Visitor Visas: Approximately 1.95 million visitor visa applications were denied, marking a sharp increase from the 40% rejection rate recorded in 2023.
• Study Permits: Around 290,317 applications for study permits were rejected, reflecting the government’s stricter scrutiny of international students.
• Work Permits: Approximately 115,549 work permit applications were refused, accounting for 22% of the total applications submitted.
Nigerians Among the Most Affected
The tightened immigration rules have severely impacted Nigerians, who represent a significant portion of Canada’s international student and skilled worker applicant pool. The cancellation of the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program in late 2024 has further complicated the visa process for Nigerian students, leading to prolonged wait times and increased rejection rates. Additionally, Canada has expressed concerns over international students who fail to attend school after securing a visa. Reports suggest that around 50,000 international students, including many Nigerians, have not shown up for classes.
Why Canada Is Cutting Temporary Resident Numbers
The IRCC has announced plans to significantly reduce the number of temporary residents by 2026 to better regulate population growth and resource allocation. The post-pandemic surge in migration has strained Canada’s housing, healthcare, and public service systems. In response, the government has implemented stricter financial requirements, including proof of over $20,000 in funds for international students, doubling the previous threshold.
The Canadian government is also intensifying efforts to prevent overstays, particularly among visitor visa holders. Many applicants are now subjected to heightened scrutiny, making it increasingly difficult to secure approvals without strong justifications.
Economic and Workforce Implications
While these immigration restrictions may alleviate pressure on public services, experts warn that they could also negatively impact Canada’s labor market. Industries such as healthcare, construction, and tourism, which heavily rely on foreign workers, may face workforce shortages due to the reduced number of approved work permits. As Canada’s aging population continues to grow, long-term labor challenges may arise, potentially slowing down economic growth.
What’s Next for Nigerian Applicants?
Canada’s evolving immigration policies mean that applicants from Nigeria and other high-rejection countries will face a more competitive and stringent process to secure visas. Moving forward, the government will need to strike a balance between population control, economic stability, and meeting labor market demands, while also addressing the concerns of affected migrants.
For Nigerians looking to study or work in Canada, navigating these new challenges will require stronger financial proof, clear academic or professional intentions, and adherence to the latest immigration guidelines.
