On December 17, 2024, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced significant reforms to Canada’s immigration system aimed at enhancing fairness, security, and efficiency. These measures are part of the government's response to challenges at the U.S. border, and they also include the removal of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based job offer points from the Express Entry system.
One of the most notable changes is the elimination of ‘flagpoling,’ which is the practice where temporary residents leave Canada and quickly re-enter at ports to access immigration services. According to Miller, flagpoling "consumes valuable border resources, hinders enforcement activities, and disrupts cross-border traffic." Moving forward, temporary residents will be required to apply online to extend their stay, ensuring border officers can allocate their resources effectively and focus on their primary duties.
The government is also strengthening its control over immigration documents. Proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act will enable IRCC to cancel, suspend, or modify visas and other immigration documents if fraudulent activity is suspected or security risks are identified. Miller emphasized the aim is to prevent individuals posing risks from entering Canada and to safeguard public resources.
Further, the announced reforms include significant measures to address LMIA fraud and preserve the integrity of the Express Entry system. By eliminating additional points for job offers under Express Entry, the government hopes to reduce misuse of job offers for immigration purposes and promote fairness and integrity within the program.
Alongside these changes, there’s continued commitment to managing irregular migration. Under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), asylum seekers must make claims for refugee status in the first safe country they enter. This agreement has already resulted in significant reductions of illegal crossings: from 165 incidents per day at the start of 2023 to just 12 by the end of the year. The imposition of partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals has contributed to this decrease, leading to a 92% drop in asylum claims from Mexico compared to last year.
Collaboration with international partners is also being intensified, particularly with the United States. The Canadian government will improve information-sharing mechanisms and strengthen electronic travel authorization (eTA) vetting processes. There's also the intention to propose the establishment of a North American Joint Strike Force to tackle transnational organized crime more effectively.
Miller’s announcement is underscored by statistics reflecting the impact of the government’s recent measures. For example, asylum claims from Mexican nationals plummeted by 97% after the imposition of the partial visa requirement. Illegal crossings by Canadian visa holders attempting to enter the U.S. also decreased by 84% since June 2024. For countries known for high rates of visa abuse, the refusal rates have surged to 61%.
Addressing potential asylum seekers, Miller cautioned: "Attempting to enter Canada irregularly is extremely dangerous and will likely render asylum claims inadmissible." His message highlights the government's emphasis on maintaining both the efficacy and humanity of Canada’s asylum system, particularly during harsh winter months.
The reforms presented by Marc Miller represent a transformative approach to modernizing the Canadian immigration framework. By enhancing border security, addressing fraudulent practices, and streamlining asylum processes, the government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring Canada remains both safe and inviting for those seeking new opportunities.
Looking forward, these reforms are anticipated to positively affect not only immigration procedures but also strengthen relationships with key international partners like the U.S., reinforcing collaborative efforts to manage migration effectively. The changes set to take effect signify Canada’s dedication to crafting a fair, orderly, and efficient immigration system, reinforcing its status as one of the top destinations for newcomers seeking to build their lives anew.
