Wondering what it really takes to live, work, or study in Canada? This article from Lexpert gives you a general look at how Canada’s immigration system works.
Whether you’re hoping to build a career, join family, or start fresh as a permanent resident, Canada offers structured pathways to help you get there.
You’ll find helpful explanations of the main options, including temporary visas for students, workers, and entrepreneurs, as well as permanent residency through programs like Express Entry and family sponsorship. The guide also breaks down what makes someone eligible—and what could prevent approval, such as health concerns, security risks, or financial issues.
If you’re applying as a refugee, you’ll learn about how authorities decide who qualifies for protection and what happens if you’re designated a foreign national linked to irregular arrivals. The article also highlights the important role of the Minister, who has wide discretion to approve or deny applications and grant exceptions in special cases.
Recent changes are making an impact too. Heron Law Offices’ interview with Lexpert about changes in Canadian immigration law, as published below:
“What are the new rules of immigration in Canada?
Canada’s new rules on immigration primarily impact temporary residents. An interview with the best immigration lawyers in Canada revealed the following changes in today’s rules:
Broadening powers of immigration authorities
According to Will Tao, principal and Canadian immigration and refugee lawyer at Heron Law Offices, the IRCC updated the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. This broadened “the ability of immigration authorities to cancel temporary resident documents.”
Specifically, they can declare that the applicant is ineligible to hold electronic travel authorizations (eTA) and void temporary resident visas (TRV), on a case-by-case basis. Hence, applicants must be much more careful about the timing of their applications and the possibility for changes of circumstances.
Changes on international student program
Laura Schemitsch, also a Canadian immigration and refugee lawyer at Heron Law Offices, explains the new regulations for the International Student Program.
“As a result of these changes, eligible students can now work up to 24 hours a week off campus. The previous off-campus rule only allowed for 20 hours of work during the regular academic session.”
Spouses of study permit holders
Changes in Canada’s immigration law are also reflected through the Open Work Permit (OWP) eligibility of spouses or common law partners of study permit holders.
According Yussif Silva, Canadian immigration and refugee lawyer at Heron Law Office, starting January 21, 2025, only spouses or common law partners of students enrolled in a master’s degree of 16 months or longer, doctoral degree, specific undergraduate programs, or specific professional programs are eligible to apply for an open work permit.
Changes in the point system
On 23 December 2024, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that as of Spring 2025, candidates pursuing permanent residence through Express Entry would no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a job offer.
According to Karina Juma, Canadian immigration and refugee lawyer at Heron Law Offices, the elimination of job offer-related points means that candidates no longer have a competitive advantage by securing a job offer. She adds that these candidates should instead turn their attention to other ways of increasing their CRS scores, such as improving their official language skills.
Another key update is the removal of extra points for job offers under Express Entry, which means applicants need to focus on other ways to improve their scores.” From Lexpert
Whether you’re just starting to research your options or planning your next steps, this guide helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare. It’s a great first read if you’re serious about making Canada your new home.
For the original article, read “Immigration law in Canada: What are the rules for temporary and permanent residents?” on the Lexpert website
