Canada rejects record-high number of study, work, and visitor visas.

Canada is tightening its immigration rules, making it harder for foreigners to get temporary visas. In 2024, the country denied 2.36 million applications for study, work, and visitor permits. This is the highest number of refusals ever recorded. The rejection rate jumped from 35% in 2023 to 50% in 2024. This major increase is part of Canada’s plan to reduce the number of temporary residents.

Why Are So Many Visas Being Denied?
The Canadian government has been rejecting more visas as part of a plan to control its growing population. In recent years, the country saw a sharp rise in temporary residents, putting pressure on housing, healthcare, and public services. To ease this strain, the government decided to cut the share of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% by 2026.

Visitor Visa Denials Surge
Visitor visa refusals saw the biggest spike. In 2024, officials rejected 1.95 million visitor visa applications, marking a 54% refusal rate. This is a sharp increase from 40% in 2023. The main reason for these refusals is the government’s effort to prevent visa holders from overstaying. Many applicants were denied due to weak ties to their home countries or unclear travel plans.

International Students Face More Challenges
Canada also made it tougher for international students to get study permits. In 2024, 52% of study permit applications were rejected. This is a big jump from the 38% refusal rate in 2023. The government introduced stricter rules, including a cap on new study permits. Only around 360,000 study permits were approved in 2024, making it harder for students to secure visas.

New policies also require students to show they have enough financial support. The government raised the cost-of-living requirement, making it more expensive to qualify. Additionally, a new fraud-check system flagged nearly 9,000 fake applications, further boosting the refusal rate.

Work Permits Also Affected
Work permit applications saw a slight decrease in refusals. In 2024, 22% of these permits were denied, down from 23% the previous year. This shows that Canada still needs foreign workers to fill jobs in key sectors, such as healthcare and construction.

To ensure only qualified workers enter the country, Canada introduced stricter Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in November 2024. These assessments help officials decide whether the local job market needs more foreign workers.

The Impact on Canada’s Economy
While these visa rejections may ease pressure on housing and public services, they could hurt the economy. Fewer international students mean less income for universities, which rely heavily on foreign tuition fees. The tourism industry could also take a hit, as more visitor visa refusals may discourage travelers.

At the same time, businesses might struggle to find enough workers if work permit approvals slow down. This could affect industries that rely on foreign labor, such as agriculture and healthcare.