Released on November 1st by IRCC, Canada’s immigration levels plan 2024-2026 outlines targets for the number of permanent resident admissions to Canada over the next three years. Explore the comprehensive plan that shapes the future of Canadian immigration.
According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Canada is expected to accept 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, with an annual goal of 500,000 for both 2024 and 2025. By stabilizing the number of newcomers, this proposal seeks to allay worries voiced by a large number of Canadians. According to a recent Environics Institute survey, Canadian support for higher immigration levels is on the decline. Notably, worries mostly revolve around affordability, especially when it comes to housing, which has led some to rescind their support.
The Minister responds to these worries by stating that the new plan would be comprehensive and that it will try to find a middle ground between meeting Canada’s needs for labor force participation and supporting its current population. In a formal declaration, the Minister recognizes the significance of taking sustainable population growth, housing, and infrastructure development into account. In order to maintain Canada’s humanitarian heritage while promoting economic progress, the plan seeks to strike this balance. The strategy also seeks to encourage a more cooperative approach to level planning with partners and to stimulate immigration by Francophones. It is the resolve to keep accepting newcomers and providing all-encompassing assistance for their assimilation into Canadian society.
Canada’s immigration plan – How it will help Canadian labor market?
The IRCC’s Strategic Immigration Program report was released concurrently with the introduction of the Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026, highlighting the department’s updated immigration strategy. The strategy’s primary goal is to increase Canada’s labor force. More than 60% of new arrivals over the course of the next three years will arrive through economic class immigration channels, which include the Provincial Nominee Program, Express Entry controlled programs, and other regional economic immigration efforts. According to the plan, Canada aims to welcome 281,135 economic immigrants in 2024, with the number rising to 301,250 in both 2025 and 2026.
With a “whole of government” approach, the IRCC’s new immigration policy consults with partners, government departments, and stakeholders, including provincial governments. The objective is to establish the ideal number of newcomers to fill in the gaps in the skill set and to gain a thorough understanding of the abilities needed. By using this method, IRCC is also able to evaluate the infrastructure of assistance that is provided to newcomers as soon as they arrive.
The Strategic Program describes the IRCC’s intention to work with partners to improve the recognition of foreign credentials, easing the use of immigrants’ talents and attracting a significant number of competent entrants. The approach also places a strong emphasis on promoting financial support programs, such as loans, to help lower the expenses incurred by the credential recognition process for newcomers. This multifaceted strategy demonstrates IRCC’s dedication to fostering a climate that is favorable to skilled immigrants and guaranteeing their smooth assimilation into Canadian society.
Medical services and building industry in Canada
When the levels plan was unveiled, the IRCC stressed that, in line with Canada’s National Housing Strategy, a significant immigrant population is necessary to close labor market gaps. Through housing expansion and eventual cost reduction, this project promises to invest approximately $82 billion over the next ten years. Meeting these targets requires an increase in the number of skilled individuals in trades and construction.
Statistics Canada reports that as of August 2023, there were 136,000 open positions in social assistance and healthcare, indicating that concerns regarding Canadian healthcare continue. The stress on the healthcare system, exacerbated by the COVID-19 epidemic, compelled healthcare personnel to regularly work long hours.
This resulted in burnout and made several professionals think about changing careers. Furthermore, the anticipated shift in the population’s demographics foresees up to nine million Canadians retiring by 2030. This will increase the strain on the system as the population ages.
More than 468,000 immigrants work in health-related occupations, according to Census 2021 statistics, yet there are still not enough workers to fill all of the open positions.
Category-based Express Entry – An overview
The IRCC introduced category-based selection for Express Entry invitation rounds in May of this year.
In line with the strategic goals of the IRCC, these cutting-edge categories concentrate on detecting particular qualities in Express Entry candidates. The IRCC designed the newly created categories to focus on individuals with special attributes that aid in accomplishing its goals.
- French language proficiency
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Trades
- STEM professions
- Healthcare
- Transport
Through the use of category-based selection rounds, the IRCC finds applicants who are qualified to fill significant labor shortages in industries like construction and healthcare. The IRCC has invited 5,600 individuals for jobs in healthcare and 1,500 candidates for jobs in trades thus far. Before December of this year, Deputy Immigration Minister Christiane Fox has announced that the department will conduct a draw specifically for trades occupations. Canada intends to admit 110,770 Express Entry applicants in 2024, then 117,500 in each of the next two years, 2025 and 2026, as per the Levels Plan.
Seek professional assistance from Immigtoronto for a hassle-free immigration process. Our skilled consultants are focused on guiding potential immigrants. If you have inquiries, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
