Canada has now unveiled its Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026. Under the new plan, Canada aims to accept approximately 485,000 new immigrants per year, the biggest number ever invited in its history.
Each year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes a new Immigration Levels Plan that guides its operations. The targets under the 2024-2025 plan are unchanged from those specified in the preceding Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025.
The latest information given by IRCC is for the 2026 objective, as well as updates on the number of immigrants admitted under each class and program from 2024 to 2026.
Highlights of Immigration Targets by Class
Between 2024 and 2026, IRCC plans to welcome around 1.5 million new immigrants to Canada.
In 2024, the Economic Class will target 281,135 immigrants, accounting for 58% of the total yearly objective. By 2026, this figure will have increased to 301,250 immigrants (60%).
114,000 immigrants, or 24% of the annual objective, will be targeted under the Family Class in 2024. By 2026, this figure will climb to 118,000 immigrants (24%).
In 2024, the Refugee and Humanitarian Class will target 89,865 immigrants, accounting for 19% of the total yearly target. By 2026, this figure will have increased to 80,832 immigrants (16%).
Express Entry and PNP Targets to Rise
Canada’s 2024-2026 immigration levels plan intends to enhance the economy, reunite families, and assist refugees.
The majority of permanent residents come to Canada via popular economic-class immigration programs, including Canada Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
According to the revised Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026, admission targets will increase as follows:
Express Entry Program
- 110,700 admissions in 2024
- 117,000 admissions in 2025
- 117,000 admissions in 2026
Provincial Nominee Programs
- 110,000 admissions in 2024
- 120,000 admissions in 2025
- 120,000 admissions in 2026
Spousal, Partner, and Children Sponsorship
- 82,000 admissions in 2024
- 84,000 admissions in 2025
- 84,000 admissions in 2026
Parents and Grandparents Program
- 32,000 admissions in 2024
- 34,000 admissions in 2025
- 34,000 admissions in 2026
Canada Looking To Stabilize Immigration Levels
Regarding the recently published strategy, IRCC adds, “This plan is designed to encourage economic growth while balancing constraints in housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
It sets a prudent course for long-term and sustained population expansion. Beginning in 2026, the government will cap permanent resident numbers at 500,000, giving time for proper integration while continuing to strengthen Canada’s labor market.
The government also intends to take action over the next year to adjust the number of temporary resident admissions to ensure that this part of our immigration system remains sustainable.”
The updated and improved Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026 will serve as a guideline for the number of immigrants to be admitted over the next three years.
Canada’s New Strategy to Improve Immigration System
On October 31, 2023, Canada Immigration Minister Marc Miller admitted some inadequacies in the country’s immigration system. A new strategy dubbed “An Immigration System For Canada’s Future” includes three key goals:
- Create a more friendly environment for newcomers
- Align immigration with labor market needs.
- Create a comprehensive and coordinated growth plan.
Conclusion
Canada has traditionally welcomed a large number of immigrants to “support & sustain” its economy. Canada is now experiencing severe labor shortages, with roughly 1 million job openings. Both are the primary forces behind increased immigration targets.
With record-breaking immigration targets and back-to-back invitation rounds scheduled for 2023, now is the perfect time to immigrate to Canada.