Why Immigration to Canada Has Become More Difficult After COVID-19

Immigrating to Canada has long been a dream for many around the world, including a large number of applicants from Bangladesh. However, in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, the path to obtaining a Canada visa from Bangladesh, or elsewhere, has become significantly more challenging. Various factors such as overstaying visas, illegal status, asylum applications, housing shortages, and unemployment have contributed to this complexity.

Overstaying and Illegal Status

One of the major issues Canada faces post-COVID is an increase in individuals who entered the country legally but stayed beyond their visa’s expiry date, becoming undocumented. This trend began during the pandemic, when travel restrictions made it difficult or impossible for many temporary residents to leave the country. Some chose to remain in Canada even after restrictions lifted, contributing to the rise in individuals with illegal status.

For immigration authorities, this has created a strain on resources, leading to stricter visa approval processes. Those applying for a Canada visa from Bangladesh now face more rigorous background checks to ensure their intent to comply with visa regulations and leave when required.

Asylum Applications

Another factor that has complicated immigration to Canada is the rise in asylum applications. During and after the pandemic, many individuals applied for asylum, citing fear of persecution or unsafe conditions in their home countries. While Canada has a strong tradition of accepting refugees and asylum seekers, the sheer number of applications, combined with pandemic-related backlogs, has led to delays in processing times and stricter scrutiny of applications. This trend has made it harder for other types of visa applicants to secure entry.

Housing Crisis

Canada is also dealing with a severe housing shortage, particularly in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, which are popular destinations for immigrants. The lack of affordable housing has reached critical levels, putting additional pressure on immigration policies. Many immigrants, both legal and undocumented, struggle to find adequate accommodation, leading to overcrowding and homelessness.

As a result, Canadian immigration authorities have become more cautious about the volume of new arrivals. Those applying for a Canada visa from Bangladesh must now demonstrate strong financial stability and housing arrangements to prove they won’t contribute to the already strained housing situation.

Unemployment and Economic Recovery

The Canadian economy was hit hard by the pandemic, resulting in higher unemployment rates, especially in sectors that traditionally employ immigrants. While Canada has made significant strides in economic recovery, certain sectors are still struggling. The competition for jobs, both from Canadian citizens and permanent residents, has made it more challenging for new immigrants to find employment. This economic uncertainty has led immigration authorities to prioritize applicants with strong job offers, skills in high-demand fields, or the ability to contribute to the post-pandemic economy.

Stricter Immigration Policies

In response to these challenges, Canada has tightened its immigration policies. There has been an increased focus on attracting skilled workers and investors, while other categories, like family reunification or tourist visas, face longer waiting times and tougher approval criteria. The government is keen to avoid exacerbating existing issues like unemployment and housing shortages, so they are more selective in approving visas.

Post-COVID, immigration to Canada has become more difficult for several reasons. The rise in individuals overstaying visas, applying for asylum, and contributing to housing and employment crises has made the system more cautious and selective. Those seeking a Canada visa from Bangladesh or elsewhere now face stricter requirements and longer processing times, as Canadian immigration authorities work to balance welcoming newcomers with managing the country’s internal challenges.