Canada rejects over 2 million visa applications

The Canadian government has intensified its visa and immigration policies, leading to a significant reduction in the number of temporary residents allowed into the country.

According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), approximately 2.36 million temporary resident applications were denied in 2024.

This development follows Canada’s new immigration plan aimed at addressing challenges related to housing, infrastructure, and social services.

The initiative also seeks to attract highly skilled individuals to contribute to the economy while enforcing stricter regulations to control migration.

The visa rejections have affected various categories, with visitor visas experiencing the highest denial rate.

Around 1.95 million visitor visa applications were rejected, surpassing the 40% refusal rate recorded in 2023.

Similarly, about 290,317 international students had their study permits denied, while 115,549 work permit applications were turned down.

These figures reflect Canada’s broader strategy to reduce the number of temporary residents in the country by 2026.

Authorities have cited several reasons for implementing these strict measures.

One major concern is the rapid increase in Canada’s population due to temporary residents, which has put pressure on essential services such as housing and healthcare.

In response, the government is working to regulate the influx of migrants to ensure sustainable development.

Additionally, there has been a crackdown on visitor visa applicants suspected of overstaying their permitted stay.

The international student program has also undergone significant reforms.

Reports indicate that nearly 50,000 students who entered Canada failed to enroll in school as expected, prompting the government to introduce stricter verification processes and financial proof requirements.

Meanwhile, work permits have also been limited, with authorities aiming to ensure a controlled and balanced labor market.