Some new Canadians celebrated in nationwide citizenship ceremonies on Canada Day — but countless migrants are facing the reality that they may never reach that milestone.

The Canadian immigration system is changing rapidly, challenging Canada’s reputation as the “gold standard” for immigration policy. Amid growing uncertainty and xenophobia, temporary migrants, including international students, are left with fewer choices.

Read more: Canada’s immigration policies are creating new barriers for international students

Some have depleted all their savings — paying tens of thousands of dollars in tuition,, getting paid $7 an hour, if at all — only to find out that the permanent residency route they’d invested in for years has now been removed.

Rapid policy changes are, as the Migrant Rights Network notes, “pushing people out at more than 3,000 per day.”

The International Study Program that sets out rules for foreign nationals studying in Canada has seen more than 25 changes since 2023, drastically reducing numbers beyond previous targets. The Liberal government has adopted Bill C-12: Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act that introduces major amendments across multiple federal laws.

Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba have also removed dedicated pathways for international graduates.

Although some changes aim to “make it clear that........

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