Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller is preparing to introduce reforms aimed at addressing pressing issues within the country’s immigration and asylum system. With mounting backlogs, prolonged processing times, and concerns over program misuse, these reforms seek to restore balance and efficiency to the system.
The asylum process faces a significant backlog, with nearly 250,000 refugee claims awaiting decisions as of September 2024. Current processing times average 44 months, highlighting inefficiencies as demand surges. Between January and September 2024, only 48,000 claims were resolved, underscoring the system’s struggle to keep pace.
Temporary residency programs, particularly those involving international students, have also come under scrutiny. Increasing numbers of temporary residents are filing asylum claims, raising concerns about the integrity of these programs. The government has identified unethical practices among institutions and consultants that mislead individuals regarding their residency prospects.
Proposed changes are expected to include increased resources for immigration tribunals and improved case management systems to accelerate asylum claim decisions. Addressing inefficiencies is a priority, with reforms designed to ensure that genuine refugees receive timely support while reducing opportunities for system misuse.
Canada’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) system has also been identified as a target for reform. Immigrants have reportedly paid high fees to employers and consultants to obtain LMIAs, which currently grant 50 bonus points toward permanent residency applications. The government is considering reducing this incentive to curb fraudulent activities.
In response to systemic challenges, the federal government recently adjusted immigration targets, reducing annual projections to 395,000 in 2025 and 380,000 in 2026. Efforts are also being made to draw 40 percent of new permanent residents from individuals already in Canada, aiming to better integrate domestic talent into the system.
These reforms reflect the government’s broader effort to balance economic needs, humanitarian commitments, and policy enforcement. As the proposals take shape, they are expected to influence Canada’s approach to immigration and asylum for years to come.
The post Canada to Overhaul Immigration and Asylum System Amid Rising Challenges appeared first on CI News | Latest Canada Immigration News.
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