Canada Announces Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026
The most anticipated news is that Canada has announced the immigration levels plan 2024-2026.
Canada will maintain its existing immigration levels, aiming to admit 485,000 new immigrants in 2024 and 500,000 each in 2025 and 2026. These targets align with the previously announced Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025. The recent update includes the 2026 target and revisions to the number of immigrants admitted under various classes and programs from 2024 to 2026.
The distribution of immigration targets by category is as follows:
In 2024, Canada aims to welcome approximately 281,135 immigrants under the economic class, constituting 58% of the annual target. By 2026, this number will increase to 301,250 immigrants, representing 60% of the annual target.
For the family class, the target in 2024 is set at 114,000 immigrants, accounting for 24% of all admissions. This figure will rise to 118,000 immigrants by 2026, maintaining the same 24% share of all admissions.
In terms of humanitarian admissions, the target for 2024 is 89,865 immigrants, making up about 19% of all admissions. This category includes refugees, protected persons, and individuals admitted for humanitarian, compassionate, or other reasons. By 2026, the target will be 80,832 immigrants, constituting 16% of all admissions.
Please note that the percentages might not total 100% due to rounding.
Express Entry and PNP targets will rise
In 2024, the Express Entry target is set at 110,700 permanent resident admissions, which will rise to 117,500 immigrants in both 2025 and 2026.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) target is 110,000 immigrants in 2024, rising to 120,000 in 2025 and maintaining the same number in 2026.
For Spousal, Partner, and Children sponsorship, the goal is 82,000 admissions in 2024, rising to 84,000 in both 2025 and 2026.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) aims to admit 32,000 immigrants in 2024 and 34,000 immigrants in both 2025 and 2026.
Canada Government Aims for Immigration Stability
Explaining the decision to maintain existing targets, the Canadian government states, “This plan is crafted to improve economic growth while addressing challenges in areas such as housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. It outlines a responsible path for sustainable and steady population growth. Starting in 2026, the government intends to stabilize permanent resident levels at 500,000, allowing for seamless integration while continuing to enhance Canada’s labor market. Additionally, the government plans to adjust the number of temporary resident admissions in the coming year to ensure the sustainability of this aspect of the immigration system.”
According to the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA), the primary immigration law in Canada, the federal government is required to release its annual immigration plan by November 1 in non-election years.
The Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 serves as a guideline for the number of new permanent residents admitted into Canada over the next three years across the economic, family, and humanitarian classes. This plan aligns with the mission of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to improve Canada’s economy, reunite families, and provide a safe haven for those escaping oppression or humanitarian crises.
In 2022, Canada achieved a record-breaking number of new immigrants with 437,000 admissions. The target for permanent resident admissions in 2023 is set at 465,000.
Canada pursuing new strategy to improve immigration system
The immigration levels plan 2024-2026 is aimed at improving its immigration system, coinciding with the release of the Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026. Immigration Minister Marc Miller, on October 31, acknowledged the existing shortcomings within the immigration system while outlining the key principles of this modernization initiative.
Entitled “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future,” the new strategy focuses on three primary objectives:
Improving the experience for newcomers to foster a more welcoming environment.
Aligning immigration policies with the country’s labor market needs and skills strategy.
Developing a comprehensive growth plan in coordination with all levels of government to ensure adequate housing, healthcare, and infrastructure for the growing newcomer population.
Under this strategy, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to deliver a more user-friendly experience for its clients while ensuring better alignment between immigration policies and the nation’s labor requirements. Additionally, the initiative seeks to establish an integrated plan involving federal, provincial, and municipal governments to support the increasing immigrant population with essential services and infrastructure.
Quebec also announced immigration plan today
Today, Quebec unveiled its immigration levels plan for 2024 and 2025. As the only province in Canada with the unique authority to set its annual permanent resident admissions targets, Quebec can preserve its distinct francophone character. The province has announced its goal of welcoming 50,000 new immigrants in 2024 and another 50,000 immigrants in 2025.
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