OTTAWA- Canada is closing its borders to many foreign workers, students, and tourists, with visa denial rates soaring in 2024.
Air Canada (AC) and other airlines flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) face reduced passenger traffic as over 2.3 million visa applications were rejected this year.
This marks a significant shift from 2023, when 1.8 million applications were denied, reflecting growing public pressure to curb immigration amid housing shortages and rising costs.
Ottawa’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YOW) sees fewer international arrivals as Canada tightens its policies, targeting 395,000 permanent residents in 2025.
Canada Stricter Visa Policies
According to data reviewed by the Toronto Star, Canada rejected 2,359,157 temporary resident applications in 2024, compared to 1,846,180 in 2023. This includes study permits, work permits, and tourist visas.
- Study Permit Rejections: Canada denied 52% of student visa applications in 2024, an increase from previous years. This trend aligns with a broader global decline in international student enrollments.
- Work Permit Rejections: 22% of work permit applications were rejected, a slight decrease from the 23% rejection rate in 2023.
- Tourist Visa Denials: Many visitor visa applications faced rejection as Canada tightened its border policies.
Additionally, the government has reduced permanent residency targets for the coming years:
- 395,000 in 2025
- 380,000 in 2026
- 365,000 in 2027
Public Pressure
Rising living costs and a severe housing shortage fueled public demands to limit immigration in 2024.
Many Canadians attribute these challenges to the influx of temporary residents, prompting Ottawa to act. The rejection surge aligns with a broader policy shift, as officials aim to balance economic needs with public sentiment.
Visitor records, allowing legal stays without work or study rights, surged to 389,254 applications in 2024—nearly double the 196,965 in 2019—yet only 5% were denied.
This suggests some flexibility remains for those seeking temporary stays amid stricter visa rules.
Decline in Student Applications
International students are turning away from Canada, with study visa applications plummeting 46% in 2024, from 868,000 in 2023 to 469,000.
This drop mirrors global trends, as Australia, the UK, and the US also report fewer student enrollments.
The 52% rejection rate for study permits likely deters applicants, signaling Canada’s reduced appeal as an education hub.
Airports like Vancouver International (YVR) see fewer student arrivals, reflecting a broader rethinking of Canada’s role in global education markets.
Bottom Line
Canada’s tightening visa policies signal a shift in immigration strategy, focusing on long-term sustainability rather than high intake numbers.
While public pressure and economic challenges drive these changes, the impact on international students, workers, and tourists remains significant.
The trend suggests that obtaining a Canadian visa will continue to be increasingly challenging in the foreseeable future.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
