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Last week, Miller announced several reforms to the
international student program, to prevent cases
of fraud. Among other things, he announced the
setting up of a new, enhanced verification system for
letters of acceptance and a recognized institutions
framework. The strategic review goes further, saying
Canada must focus on bringing in international
students with “high-demand skills”.

The report also says the government must improve
its foreign credentials recognition system, so that
immigrants with significant work experience have
their work experience and foreign credentials
recognized in Canada.
In June, then immigration minister Sean Fraser had
announced a tech talent strategy, which included a
digital nomad strategy and open work permits for
U.S. H1B visa holders.

The strategic review also underlines the need to
reduce wait times and improve service standards,
as well as improving the IRCC website so that
information can be easily accessed by applicants. It
also says Canada must expedite visitor visas, with
benefits for tourism, conferences and events.

Miller also warned against being “addicted” to
the temporary foreign workers program. He said,
“We don’t want to continue to be too addicted on
temporary foreign work to make sure there is a
pathway to permanent residence for those people
that come here and help build the country.”

Syed Hussan, executive director of Migrant Workers
Alliance for Change (MWAC), told Global News that the
strategic review plan doesn’t go far enough to protect
the most vulnerable migrants in Canada. “Migrants
want to know when a regularization program will be
created for undocumented people, and when and
how working class people in essential jobs will be
able to come here with equal rights and permanent
residency and not as exploitable temporary foreign
workers or international students,” he said.

The strategic review comes at a time when Canada
aims to welcome 451,000 new immigrants in 2024,
which is a historic high. By 2025, the number is
expected to rise to 500,000 new immigrants in one
year.

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