Immigration and Asylum Canada has announced new restrictions related to permanent resident visas in Canada.
Maximum annual processing limit for permanent residence applications
The Canadian government explained that a maximum limit has already been applied to the annual processing of permanent residency applications within the Start-up Program.
The government confirmed that permanent residency applications for companies will be limited to a maximum of 10 startups per organization.
According to what was announced by the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in Canada (IRCC), this new decision regarding permanent residence visas in Canada was officially launched at the end of April of this year 2024.
Ease of processing the backlog of applications for residency in Canada
The Canadian Immigration Department said that this new decision aims to facilitate the processing of backlogged applications, and also aims to reduce backlogs and speed up the processing of submitted applications.
But the Canadian government confirmed earlier that the new system imposes strict restrictions, which would hinder the aspirations of potential applicants for permanent residence visas in Canada for startups and self-employed persons, and may hinder the aspirations of potential applicants.
It is worth noting that this program has contributed to helping many entrepreneurs become permanent residents, and also helping them start new business projects, since the launch of this program for the first time in 2013.
This new program currently limits the number of applications submitted for permanent residency, which will be processed annually within this category, to 10 startup companies per organization.
Giving priority to startups and companies backed by Canadian capital
The regulations also give priority for processing applications to startups backed by Canadian capital, or startups affiliated with select members of the Canadian Technology Network to promote increased local business.
It is also worth noting that the Immigration Department in Canada has announced that, as of April 30, 2024, new applications for the Self-Employed Workers Program will not be accepted, and the temporary suspension addresses a large backlog of applications.
The cost of living in Canada is high
It is also mentioned that the cost of living in Canada is considered somewhat high in major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver, in addition to the fact that the cost of education for international foreign students is also much higher compared to the cost of education for local students.
According to statistics announced in 2021, the average tuition fees for international students reached about 32,019 US dollars, compared to local students, whose tuition fees reached 6,610 US dollars, according to what Statistics Canada announced.
The Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Department requires foreign international students in Canada to obtain student visas and provide evidence confirming that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during the first year of study.