Overview of Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan

On November 1, 2023, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, presented the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan in Ottawa. This plan outlines Canada’s immigration objectives in response to demographic challenges and labor market needs.

The plan highlights the following:

1. Immigration Numbers: The Government of Canada has set a target to welcome 485,000 permanent residents in 2024, aiming to reach 500,000 in 2025. From 2026 onwards, the number of permanent residents will be stabilized at 500,000 annually. We note 500,000 annual immigrants is still a huge amount and that for those targets to remain, the current Liberal government must remain in power. If the Conservative party becomes the Government, annual immigration numbers can change dramatically.
2. Temporary Residents: The government intends to review the number of temporary resident admissions over the coming year, aiming for sustainability in this segment of the immigration system.
3. Collaboration: Canada’s government will collaborate with provinces, territories, employers, stakeholders, and Indigenous groups to address the implications of an immigration-driven population increase. The guidance for this approach comes from the report “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future.”
4. 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan Main Points:
   • By 2025, over 60% of permanent resident admissions will be allocated to the economic class, emphasizing Canada’s focus on economic growth.
   • The plan commits to address humanitarian and geopolitical crises worldwide, aligning with Canada’s historical humanitarian efforts.
   • Francophone immigration targets have been set to support Francophone communities outside Quebec. The plan indicates targets of 6% of total immigration in 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% in 2026.
5. Digital Progress: The plan acknowledges advancements made by IRCC in digital systems and client service over the past year, which has resulted in increased processing capability and a reduction in application backlogs.