Express Entry & PNP admission targets set to increase in 2024-2026. The most recent Immigration Levels Plan for 2024–2026 shows a steady increase in admission targets for Canada’s most popular economic immigration pathways, such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry. IRCC formally presented this strategy on November 1. An important area of focus for immigration planning in the upcoming years will be the significant increase in Express Entry and PNP admission targets, which highlight Canada’s commitment to admitting more skilled immigrants through these pathways. For those who are thinking of immigrating to Canada, this information is essential because it shows that there are now more chances available under these programs.
This annual plan, which covers a range of immigration categories including economic, family, and refugee/humanitarian programs, lays out Canada’s target number of permanent residents for the following three years.
The IRCC has stressed that economic immigration programs would continue to be the cornerstone of Canada’s strategy for increasing the number of permanent residents in its most recent version of this plan. Leading this drive will be Express Entry and the 11 Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) located throughout Canada.
With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, all Canadian provinces and territories have PNPs in place.
Key drivers of permanent resident admissions from 2024 to 2026
With the release of the 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan in November 2022, it became clear that PNP immigration targets were higher than those of the Express Entry program, solidifying PNP as the main economic immigration gateway to Canada.
A total of 83,500 new permanent residents (PRs) were successfully invited to Canada by PNPs nationwide in the year prior. The IRCC’s PNP objective was anticipated to rise to 105,000 in 2023, with successive targets set at 110,000 for 2024 and 117,500 for 2025, according to the 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan.
However, as per the IRCC’s most recent Immigration Levels Plan (2024–2026), Express Entry is anticipated to regain its status as Canada’s primary economic immigration route, commencing in 2024. On the other hand, the existing admissions targets indicate that Canada’s PNPs are set to take the lead in all economic immigration pathways by 2025 and 2026.
Please be aware that immigration targets can be subject to adjustments over time. However, this article is based on the data available when the 2024-2026 ILP was first released.
Analyzing the Express Entry and PNP goals as outlined in the 2024-2026 immigration levels plan
Specifically, these are the admission goals that Canada has set for its Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Express Entry, as the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan indicated:
Year 2024:
- Express Entry (Federal High Skilled): 110,770
- PNPs: 110,000
In 2025:
- PNPs: 120,000
- Express Entry (Federal High Skilled): 117,500
In 2026:
- PNPs: 120,000
- Express Entry (Federal High Skilled): 117,500
Express Entry & PNP admission targets set to increase – An overview of Express Entry and PNP
Subsequently, we will provide a concise overview of Canada’s two primary economic immigration routes.
Express Entry
The Canadian federal government employs the official method known as Express Entry to collaboratively process immigration applications under three distinct economic-class immigration categories for individuals seeking permanent residency. Moreover, these programs include the CEC – Canadian Experience Class, FSWP – the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the FSTP – Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Canada launched two different categories of Express Entry draws in June 2023: category-based draws and “standard” draws.
In “standard” Express Entry draws, candidates are primarily ranked based on their CRS scores. Each draw selects a limited number of candidates and issues an ITA for permanent residence in Canada. Applicants are qualified for an ITA if their CRS score is higher than the pre-established cut-off score for that particular draw.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that a Canadian immigration candidate can only begin the process of applying for permanent residency in the nation by obtaining an ITA.
Additionally, effective June 28, 2023, the IRCC implemented category-based draws to expedite the immigration of applicants with specialized job experience or skills, thereby assisting Canada in better meeting certain labor market demands.
The IRCC has designated the following six categories as priority in category-based draws for 2023:
- Proficiency in the French language
- Experience in the healthcare industry
- Expertise in STEM professions through work experience
- Occupational background in Trade positions
- Work history in Transport-related roles
- Work experience within the Agriculture and Agri-Food sector
PNPs
Through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), provinces and territories are able to select specific immigration applicants that they feel have the necessary skills to solve the particular labor market and economic challenges that specific regions face.
Moreover, stated differently, PNPs functioning throughout Canada seek to share the benefits of immigration—that is, the social, cultural, and economic gains—to different parts of the nation. Also, the goal of this strategy is to promote immigration to regions outside of Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, the three largest cities.
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