Canada’s evolving immigration policies have brought significant changes to family class sponsorship and work permit programs, impacting skilled workers, their families, and employers. At Directpath Canada, we recognize the challenges these changes pose and remain committed to providing exceptional Global Recruitment, Immigration, and Settlement Services to address labor shortages and guide individuals through these transitions.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced reduced family class sponsorship allocations for 2025. Targets for spouses, partners, and children will drop from 82,000 to 70,000, while allocations for parents and grandparents will decrease from 32,000 to 24,500. These reductions are expected to extend processing times, adding to the backlog and delaying reunification efforts for many families.
Quebec has also imposed new caps on family sponsorship applications, limiting submissions to 13,000 over two years, effective until June 2026. The province’s restrictions, coupled with already extended processing times of up to 26 months, emphasize the growing need for qualified immigration guidance.
Significant changes in 2024 have limited SOWP eligibility. Only spouses of master’s or doctoral students, certain professional program participants, or highly skilled temporary foreign workers are now eligible. These changes are expected to reduce permits issued by 150,000 over the next three years, impacting families and employers relying on a steady labor supply.
Canada’s labor market remains under strain, especially in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and technology. Employers face increased challenges in filling critical positions due to these new restrictions and extended processing times. Directpath Canada is dedicated to addressing these gaps by connecting employers with skilled workers who meet eligibility criteria under the updated immigration pathways.
Canada has also introduced temporary pathways for families from conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan. These programs provide temporary residence, work permits, and permanent residence opportunities for affected individuals, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to humanitarian efforts.
With changes like reduced sponsorship caps and stricter eligibility requirements, navigating Canada’s immigration system can be complex. Directpath Canada’s team of licensed immigration consultants is here to provide personalized guidance, ensuring families and workers understand their options and meet the necessary criteria.
Information Source: ImmigToronto
