Canada has unveiled its Immigration Levels Plan for the years 2024-2026, maintaining consistent immigration targets. In 2024, the nation aims to admit 485,000 new immigrants. The following years, 2025 and 2026, will witness Canada's efforts to welcome 500,000 newcomers annually.
These targets mirror those set in the earlier Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025. The recent announcement includes the 2026 target and revised figures for immigrants to be admitted across various classes and programs from 2024 to 2026.
Immigration Goals by Category
Immigration targets categorized by class reveal that in 2024, Canada intends to welcome approximately 281,135 immigrants through the economic class, constituting 58% of the annual goal. By 2026, this number will escalate to 301,250 immigrants, representing 60% of the annual target.
In the family class category, the target for 2024 stands at 114,000 immigrants, accounting for 24% of all admissions. This figure will increase to 118,000 immigrants by 2026, maintaining the same 24% share of all admissions.
Humanitarian admissions, encompassing refugees, protected persons, and individuals admitted for humanitarian, compassionate, or other reasons, are set at 89,865 immigrants in 2024, comprising around 19% of all admissions. By 2026, the humanitarian admission target will decrease to 80,832 immigrants, making up 16% of the total admissions.
Please note that the percentages may not sum up to 100% due to rounding.
Express Entry and PNP Immigration Goals
Here are the revised targets for various immigration categories:
- In 2024, the Express Entry program aims to admit 110,700 permanent residents, with a subsequent increase to 117,500 immigrants annually in both 2025 and 2026.
- The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is set to welcome 110,000 immigrants in 2024, with a rise to 120,000 in 2025 and maintaining the same level in 2026.
- Spousal, Partner, and Children sponsorship has a target of 82,000 admissions in 2024, and this figure will increase to 84,000 in both 2025 and 2026.
- The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is expected to admit 32,000 immigrants in 2024, followed by 34,000 immigrants in each of 2025 and 2026.
The Canadian government aims to establish stable immigration levels.
The Canadian government has opted to maintain its immigration targets to strike a balance between supporting economic growth and addressing key societal challenges such as housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. The plan is designed to ensure responsible and sustainable population growth while fostering successful integration and bolstering Canada's labor market.
From 2026 onwards, the government plans to stabilize permanent resident levels at 500,000, allowing time for effective integration while continuing efforts to enhance the country's workforce. Additionally, there are plans in place to recalibrate the number of temporary resident admissions over the next year, ensuring the sustainability of this aspect of the immigration system.
According to the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA), Canada is required to release its annual immigration plan by November 1 in non-election years. This plan serves as a crucial guideline, outlining the number of new permanent residents to be admitted into Canada over the next three years across the economic, family, and humanitarian immigration classes.
The Immigration Levels Plan aligns with the mission of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aiming to strengthen Canada's economy, reunite families, and provide a safe haven for those escaping oppression or humanitarian crises. Notably, Canada achieved a record-breaking number of new immigrants in 2022 with 437,000 admissions, and the target for permanent resident admissions in 2023 is set at 465,000.
Canada is implementing a new approach to enhance its immigration system.
Just one day after the unveiling of a new strategy to enhance Canada's immigration system, the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 was introduced. Immigration Minister Marc Miller, on October 31, acknowledged the shortcomings of the existing immigration system and outlined the key principles of the new approach aimed at modernizing the system.
Entitled "An Immigration System for Canada's Future," the new strategy focuses on three major goals:
1. Creating a More Welcoming Experience for Newcomers: The aim is to provide newcomers with a more inviting and user-friendly experience when interacting with Canada's immigration system.
2. Aligning Immigration with Labour Market Needs: Canada's immigration policies will be closely aligned with the nation's skills and labor strategy, ensuring that immigration meets the demands of the job market effectively.
3. Developing a Comprehensive and Coordinated Growth Plan: The strategy involves creating an integrated plan across all levels of Canada's government to guarantee the availability of sufficient housing, healthcare, and infrastructure for the growing population of newcomers.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is actively working towards achieving these goals, striving for a more pleasant experience for clients, policies in harmony with labor needs, and a well-coordinated growth plan involving all levels of government in Canada.
Quebec Immigration Levels Plan 2024 and 2025
Quebec also revealed its immigration levels plan for 2024 and 2025.
As the only province in Canada granted the unique privilege of determining its annual permanent resident admissions targets, Quebec exercises this authority to maintain its distinctive francophone character.
The province announced its intention to admit 50,000 new immigrants in 2024 and another 50,000 immigrants in 2025, showcasing its commitment to preserving its unique cultural identity.
If you want to be one of the newcomers in Canada next year, we can help you! The e-Visa Immigration team has expert immigration consultants ready to assist you at any time of your process. Contact us!
