Canada’s Immigration is set towards another shift as the new immigration plans for 2024 are all set to be unveiled on 1st November 2023. In this announcement, the immigration is all geared up for the next three years which many immigrants, Canadians, policymakers, and entrepreneurs looked forward to. Here’s what you can expect from Canada’s immigration levels plan for 2024.
What is the Canadian Immigration Levels Plan?
The Canadian immigration levels plan is an outline that allows permanent residents from different categories such as immigration for the economy, family sponsorship, refugees, etc. However, it is important to note that these numbers don’t signify newcomers from outside Canada.
Around 45% of immigration admissions for boosting the economy are temporary residents who later on shift to permanent residency while residing in Canada. Additionally, temporary residency categories such as international students, work permit holders, and visitor visas will not be included in the plan.
Will Canada increase immigration levels?
Over the years, Canada has become a popular destination for individuals and families globally who want to make it their permanent home. The country has immigrants with valuable Canadian experience who contribute to the economy. Both Canadian citizens and permanent residents are demanding an increase in family sponsorship quotas.
Keeping that in mind and the global humanitarian crisis, Canada takes the initiative to offer refuge to those who want to escape conflict and uncertainty. Also, the country faces labor shortages in various industries especially healthcare, construction, etc. that need further immigration.
Canada in its existing plan for 2023 set a mark of 465,000 which it is on track to meet. The target for 2024 is 485,000 with a forecast of 500,000 set for 2025. That said, the likelihood of an increase in yearly immigration targets is 500,000 and even more.
However, public opinion on this topic varies. While some Canadians expressed their concerns about the ongoing housing crisis and inflation, that led to arguments for reducing immigration. The government is focusing on balancing labor shortages, humanitarian crises, and local concerns which can be quite challenging.
Focus on temporary residents in the new plan
Economists advise that the government should offer detailed information about the role of Canada’s 2.1 million temporary residents to tally its immigration targets with the actual reality. Temporary residents, especially international students and work permit holders, contribute significantly to Canada’s labor force and overall economy.
There is also the need for clarification on how many new residents (permanent and temporary) are expected in the next year while taking into account the ones present in the country. A balanced approach for non-permanent residents can manage expectations while tackling the stress on infrastructure.
Current Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025
The purpose of the existing immigration levels plan is to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025. Family sponsorship quotas, economic immigration, high-skilled workers, etc. are set to increase.
To sum it up, the upcoming immigration levels plan for 2024 carries substantial implications for Canada’s immigration. It will regulate the number of immigrants, both permanent and temporary, and how they contribute to Canada’s economic growth and society. Policymakers will also need to focus on complex topics like maintaining competing interests like tackling workforce shortages, housing, and humanitarian obligations. On 1st November, everyone will be waiting for the Canadian government to unveil its objective towards the future of Canada’s immigration
