Modernizing Canada’s immigration system to attract top talent 

October 16, 2024
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Universities Canada’s recommendation for Budget 2025

It’s a global race to attract top talent to universities and workforces, and an efficient immigration system is integral to staying on top. We need to modernize our immigration processes to not fall behind and create a stronger, safer Canada.

What’s the issue?

Canada’s digital immigration platform is rife with technical issues and long processing times, which in many cases deters top talent from our country. The Digital Platform Modernization (DPM) program, scheduled for completion by 2026, was meant to keep interactions with Canada’s immigration process smooth and positive. However, its implementation is lagging behind, with less than 20% of the project budget spent as of May 2024. 

The result is a messy system with inefficiencies that are costing us dearly. In fact, there’s been a significant decline in interest in coming to Canada from both international students and researchers because it’s so difficult to navigate our system.

Why is it important?

Countries are competing to attract top global talent for the many benefits they bring to economies and communities. Canada must do better to succeed in this race for talent.

Immigration brings in skill and talent that bolster our workforce where we need it most. For example, one in four health care workers are recent immigrants—a sector we all know needs more personnel. 

But to meet these goals and attract top talent, we need a smooth immigration system.  International students and researchers also contribute greatly to enhancing our economy. In 2022, international students alone contributed $30.9 billion to Canada’s GDP. 

Lastly, a strong immigration system provides Canada with more accurate data and information sharing, which is crucial to inform future policies. It also provides for greater transparency, allowing Canadians, institutions and businesses to know who is coming into Canada and what they’re doing to drive us forward.

Our recommendations

We need a more efficient immigration system to position Canada as a technologically advanced and welcoming destination for highly skilled workers, international students and researchers. We recommend that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada accelerates the implementation of the DPM program to keep Canada relevant in the global race for talent.

What is the pre-budget submission?

Every year, as the Government of Canada looks to set its budget, Universities Canada provides information on the biggest issues facing universities and solutions to help universities and Canadians thrive. Read more of our recommendations to government in our pre-budget submission.

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