After recent adjustments to immigration policies in Ontario, individuals aspiring to become permanent residents of Canada are facing uncertainties as the system undergoes changes. Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad, a 25-year-old from Pakistan who completed his master’s in applied computing in artificial intelligence (AI) from the University of Windsor in October 2024, is among those eagerly awaiting news on his permanent residency application.
Ahmad expressed his frustration, describing the waiting process as anxiety-inducing. He applied to an immigration stream tailored for master’s and PhD graduates but has been in limbo since then.
Ontario’s Immigration System Modifications Amid Federal Caps Reduction
The program Ahmad applied to falls under Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which collaborates with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to offer expedited paths to permanent residency for individuals with specialized skills that benefit the Canadian economy.
Ontario is reevaluating the program, including the cancellation of the skilled trades stream and a potential reduction in entry categories from nine to four. The proposed changes aim to streamline the application process, prioritize health-care applicants, and introduce a pathway for entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, Ottawa has decreased the number of provincial nominee applications accepted by approximately half, aligning with efforts to maintain sustainable immigration levels, according to the federal finance minister.
Ahmad and his peers fear the potential suspension of their current stream but remain optimistic about alternative pathways, such as the proposed “exceptional talent” stream. Despite having plans in place to pursue a medical AI PhD, Ahmad has temporarily paused these aspirations amid the ongoing uncertainty.
Expressing hope for a positive outcome, Ahmad emphasized his belief that perseverance will eventually lead to his nomination and permanent residency.
With a work permit valid until fall 2027, Ahmad remains open to the possibility of pursuing further studies in New Zealand should his current immigration journey face obstacles.
“The new requirements are still unclear to us. We are uncertain about the future steps,” Ahmad expressed.
Suspension of Skilled Trades Stream Impacts Permanent Residency Aspirants
In a disheartening turn of events, Ankit Kumar Patel, a 29-year-old from London, Ontario, shared his disappointment after the suspension of the skilled-trades stream under OINP dashed his six-year-long pursuit of Canadian permanent residency.
Patel, who arrived in Canada in 2019 as an international student from India, faced challenges following the suspension of the program he had been relying on for permanent resident status.
Having pursued a mechanical engineering degree and secured a work permit after studying at Fanshawe College, Patel’s hopes for permanent residency were shattered when the skilled-trades stream was indefinitely suspended due to fraudulent activities within the system.
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