Canada has introduced its ambitious Immigration Levels Plan outlining the admission targets for new permanent residents over the next three years. The plan remains consistent with the current figures, with an aim to welcome 485,000 new immigrants in 2024 and increase to 500,000 annually in 2025 and 2026.
Under this plan, various categories will witness specific targets. In 2024, the economic class is set to accommodate about 281,135 immigrants, constituting 58% of the annual target. By 2026, this figure will rise to 301,250, representing 60% of the target.
Similarly, the family class targets 114,000 immigrants in 2024, making up 24% of all admissions, which will increment to 118,000 by 2026 while retaining the same percentage of total admissions.
The humanitarian admission targets 89,865 immigrants in 2024, encompassing roughly 19% of all admissions, including refugees, protected individuals, and those admitted for humanitarian or compassionate reasons. By 2026, this figure will decrease to 80,832 immigrants, constituting 16% of admissions.
Express Entry, one of the primary pathways for skilled workers, has a target of 110,700 permanent resident admissions in 2024, expected to rise to 117,500 immigrants annually in both 2025 and 2026.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will see an increase from 110,000 immigrants in 2024 to 120,000 in 2025 and 2026. Other categories, such as spousal, partner, and children sponsorship, and the Parents and Grandparents Program, have their respective admission targets set for each year from 2024 to 2026.
To leverage these immigration plans, applicants can utilize various Canadian immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers Program.
Express Entry remains a popular and rapid route to attaining permanent residency in Canada. The online system streamlines and organizes applications for skilled workers seeking to immigrate and obtain permanent residency.
Aspiring immigrants can follow these steps to benefit from the outlined plans:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Applicants can determine their eligibility by answering a set of questions to assess if they meet the minimum requirements of any Express Entry program.
Step 2: Assess Your Score
Eligible candidates who submit their profile will be ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Step 3: Prepare Documents
While documents don’t need to be uploaded initially, candidates will eventually require various documents, including passports, language test results, education credentials, proof of funds, police certificates, medical exams, and more.
Step 4: Complete Profile
Applicants need to fill out their Express Entry profiles, which upon acceptance, grants them a CRS score. However, this does not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Step 5: Receive Invitation and Apply
Candidates with the highest scores in the pool will receive invitations to apply, following which they have 60 days to submit their applications to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This comprehensive plan aims to streamline and facilitate the process for prospective immigrants to Canada, ensuring a structured pathway for various categories of applicants seeking to establish themselves in the country.
