Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller recently addressed concerns about immigration policies, particularly regarding international students.
His remarks come amid rising protests from international students across Canada; many of whom are advocating for extended work permits to secure their future in the country.
According to Immigration News Canada (INC), in an in-depth interview, Miller discussed Canada’s immigration approach, the challenges facing international students, and recent changes to work permits and permanent residency pathways.
One key point raised in the interview is that there is “no automatic pathway” from study permits to permanent residency.
Miller emphasized that studying in Canada does not guarantee a move to permanent residency, noting that international students must follow a separate process to apply for permanent status.
The changes as discussed in the interview are that there are;
No automatic pathway from study permits to permanent residency
Minister Miller explained that studying in Canada doesn’t automatically lead to permanent residency.
“When people came here and decided to be students, it wasn’t a guarantee to become a permanent resident,” he said.
This, according to reports, comes as international students call for easier ways to stay in Canada after finishing their studies. The government continues to stress that study permits are different from the pathways to permanent residency.
The minister stated that the government has received significant pressure from international students nearing the end of their post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), who are seeking extensions. However, Miller made it clear that extensions are not guaranteed.
“Some students will have to make a difficult decision as to whether they leave the country or not,” he noted.
The minister highlighted that work permits should align with Canada’s labor market needs, signaling that the government will not provide blanket extensions to all students.
INC informs that Canada has taken steps to limit the number of temporary residents, including international students, to better manage immigration flows.
Miller revealed that permanent residency quotas were recently reduced by 20%, a decision aimed at stabilizing the system and balancing the long-term needs of the country.
“We had to reduce permanent residency by a little over 20%,” he explained. The government, as stated, is working to ensure that immigration policies address Canada’s aging population and labour shortages while avoiding overburdening housing and public services.
Miller also addressed rising concerns about asylum claims from international students, some of whom may be using asylum as a way to extend their stay in Canada.
“A number of these claims are not ethical,” Miller stated, emphasizing that asylum should be reserved for those facing genuine danger.
The minister provided that the government is focused on maintaining the integrity of Canada’s refugee system and ensuring that it is not misused by those whose situations have not significantly changed in their home countries.
I am Chigozirim Enyinnia, a career, Immigration and Education analyst. My objectives require the delivery of credible information concerning these areas, so readers can make informed decisions.
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