In October 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced several policy updates:

  1. Express Entry Changes: The Express Entry system continues to adjust with targeted draws focusing on specific sectors like healthcare, STEM, and trades. Recent draws in October invited 2,113 candidates for permanent residency, with varying Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoffs. The ongoing trend is to diversify the pool of candidates by prioritizing certain professions to meet labor market needs​CanadaTCFFCA Magazine.
  2. Student Permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Adjustments: The government reduced the 2024 target for student permits by 10%, freezing the number at 437,000 until 2026. New language requirements for PGWP eligibility now mandate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7 proficiency. Additionally, work permit eligibility for spouses of foreign students is now restricted to those whose partners are in master’s programs of at least 16 months​Grad Students’ Assoc. U of Calgary.
  3. Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Program Updates: New guidelines clarified the criteria for ICTs, such as the definition of “specialized knowledge” and eligibility requirements. The changes are part of broader efforts to scale back temporary resident programs and prioritize permanent residency pathways​CIC News.
  4. Medical Examination Exemption Extension: A temporary policy that exempts low-risk in-Canada applicants from additional immigration medical examinations has been extended until October 2029. This measure aims to streamline processing for those applying for temporary or permanent residence​Canada.

These updates reflect Canada’s ongoing efforts to manage immigration more efficiently, balancing the intake of temporary residents while addressing labor shortages and public health considerations.

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