Explore how Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 is set to reshape the landscape for skilled workers and global businesses seeking opportunities in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.

20th April, 2024

Over the last several decades, Canada has established a reputation as a top destination for global talent, thanks to its open and well-regulated immigration system. This reputation is significantly shaped by the country’s strategic immigration policies, which outline the roadmap for admitting newcomers and enhancing the nation’s social and economic fabric.

Facing critical labour market shortages, partly due to an ageing population, the Canadian government is increasingly focusing on attracting international talent to fill workforce gaps. In response, it has announced the Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026, which outlines ambitious targets to stabilise and enhance Canada’s immigration system.

Key highlights of the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan include maintaining robust immigration admissions with a special focus on economic immigrant categories, attracting more French-speaking individuals, and upholding Canada’s commitment to humanitarian efforts for asylees and refugees.

As Canada embarks on this strategic journey, the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan signals not just numerical targets but a commitment to sustainable growth and an integrated immigration paradigm that is crucial for businesses and stakeholders.

In this blog, we’ll delve into a detailed breakdown of Canada’s immigration levels plan for 2024-2026, exploring planned admissions in business-related categories, standout features of the plan, and the associated application processes.

A Closer Look at Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, updated annually, serves as a strategic blueprint for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) operations. It also provides a forecast of the potential economic impacts of immigration and outlines policies to assist non-Canadians in their integration.

On November 1, 2023, The Honourable Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan. This plan details the projected numbers of permanent residents Canada aims to welcome over the next three years, emphasising a balanced approach to meeting both economic needs and humanitarian commitments.

1. Economic Class

• Objective: Support economic growth and stabilize labour market needs.
• 2024 Target: 281,135 immigrants, representing 58% of the total admissions.
• 2026 Projection: Increase to 301,250 immigrants or 60% of annual admissions.
• Key Programs: This includes the Express Entry system, which will admit 110,700 permanent residents in 2024 and rise to 117,500 by 2025 and 2026. The Provincial Nominee Programs also aim to recommend 110,000 immigrants in 2024 and increase to 120,000 by 2026, catering to local labour market requirements.

2. Family Class

• Objective: Facilitate family reunification, a core component of successful integration.
• 2024 Target: 114,000 immigrants, 24% of total admissions.
• 2026 Projection: Increase to 118,000 immigrants.
• Programs: The Spousal, Partner, and Children Sponsorship Program targets 82,000 admissions in 2024, rising to 84,000 for the next two years. The Parents and Grandparents Program aims to welcome 32,000 immigrants in 2024 and 34,000 in 2025 and 2026.

3. Refugee Class

• Objective: Uphold Canada’s humanitarian tradition by resettling refugees and protected persons.
• 2024 Target: 89,865 immigrants, nearly 19% of total admissions.
• 2026 Projection: Reduce to 80,832 immigrants, representing 16% of admissions.
• Details: This includes resettled refugees, protected individuals, and those accepted for compassionate, humanitarian, or other reasons.

4. Additional Priorities

• French-Speaking Permanent Residents: Enhancing linguistic diversity by setting strategic goals to increase French-speaking immigrants outside of Quebec from 6% in 2024 to 8% in 2026.
• Sustainability Measures: To ensure the sustainability of the immigration system, the government plans to recalibrate the number of admissions for temporary residents.

Emphasis on Sustainable Economic Growth Through Strategic Immigration

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026 significantly emphasises the Economic Class. It is designed to support the nation’s economic stability and growth in areas such as tech, health care, and infrastructure. This focus on economic immigration is pivotal as it targets skilled workers to meet Canada’s labour market needs, thereby addressing gaps and driving future prosperity.

Key Economic Programs

The plan includes several key programs aimed at enhancing Canada’s economic landscape:

• Canadian Experience Class: This program is crucial as it allows individuals who have already gained Canadian work experience to transition to permanent residency. Recognising the value of local experience, this class facilitates the retention of talented individuals who are already contributing to the economy, thereby ensuring a smoother integration and continuity in the workforce.
• Start-Up Visa Program: This program targets entrepreneurs globally and invites innovative business owners who have the potential to build businesses in Canada that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale. The Start-Up Visa is a pathway for skilled and visionary entrepreneurs to bring new and innovative businesses to Canada, contributing significantly to economic diversification and technological advancement.
• Express Entry System: Serving as the primary driver of economic immigration, the Express Entry system manages applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. The system ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience, which are indicative of one’s ability to thrive in Canada’s labour market. In 2024, the Express Entry program aims to admit 110,700 permanent residents, with numbers expected to increase in the subsequent years.

Impact on Businesses: Enhancing Global Expansion and Mobility Strategies

Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan is strategically crafted to bolster international businesses looking to leverage global mobility for expansion into the Canadian market. Focusing on key elements such as the Express Entry system, the labour market, and overall economic growth, the plan offers a robust framework for businesses aiming to tap into Canada’s dynamic economic environment.

1. Express Entry System: Gateway for Skilled Talent

The Express Entry system is a pivotal component of the Canadian immigration framework. It is designed to streamline the process of attracting and retaining skilled workers. Based on criteria such as skills, experience, and educational background, it prioritises candidates most likely to succeed in Canada’s economy.

For businesses, this means access to a pool of pre-assessed, highly skilled professionals who can fill critical roles within your operations, enhancing productivity and innovation. The system’s efficiency and predictability make it an attractive option for companies planning strategic talent deployments.

2. Labour Market Dynamics: Filling Critical Gaps

The immigration plan directly addresses current and projected labour market shortages in Canada, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering. By aligning immigration targets with sector-specific needs, the plan ensures that the flow of immigrants contributes positively to filling these critical gaps.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for international businesses. It allows you to align your expansion strategies with areas of high demand and labour shortages, thereby maximising the effectiveness of their investments and operations in Canada.

3. Economic Growth: Creating a Prosperous Business Environment

The immigration plan supports sustained economic growth by fostering a steady influx of talent and entrepreneurship. This growth is beneficial not only for the Canadian economy but also for international businesses that benefit from a robust, expanding market.

The ongoing economic growth driven by strategic immigration creates numerous investment opportunities for foreign businesses. Companies can leverage Canada’s economic momentum through direct investment, partnerships, or new ventures for their gain.

4. Structured Immigration Process: Aligning with Economic Priorities

Canadian immigration programs are meticulously structured to align with the country’s economic priorities. This alignment ensures that the talents and skills brought into the country are exactly what businesses need to thrive.

The transparency and predictability of the immigration process aid businesses in planning and decision-making. Knowing the types of skills and the volume of talent likely to enter Canada each year can help your business in strategic planning and workforce development.

Sector-Specific Insights: Leveraging Global Talent for Economic Growth

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 is designed to align with the country’s economic needs, facilitating sector-specific growth by strategically targeting global talent. This alignment is particularly beneficial for sectors like healthcare, technology, and other industries reliant on specialised skills and innovation.

1. Healthcare Sector

The healthcare sector stands to benefit significantly from immigration policies aimed at addressing critical skill shortages. With an ageing population and increasing demand for healthcare services, Canada focuses on attracting skilled healthcare professionals worldwide.

International healthcare businesses can expand their operations in Canada by leveraging these immigration pathways. This includes easier access to skilled professionals such as nurses, doctors, and allied health workers, which can help scale operations and enhance service delivery in underserved areas.

2. Technology Sector

The technology sector, a pivotal driver of Canada’s economic growth, requires a constant influx of innovative minds and technical skills. The immigration plan supports this need by facilitating the entry of skilled workers in specialities like AI, software development, and cybersecurity through programs like the Express Entry system and the Global Talent Stream.

Canadian and international technology companies can capitalise on these immigration policies to build robust teams. This fills immediate labour gaps and fosters a competitive and innovative environment conducive to technological advancements and business growth.

The targeted approach in immigration ensures that the talents brought into Canada directly align with the sectors with the highest demand and potential for growth. This strategic alignment helps stabilize and strengthen the labour market, contributing to the country’s economic prosperity.

Navigating the Express Entry Application Process for 2024-2026

Canada’s Express Entry system is a cornerstone of the country’s immigration policy. It is designed to manage applications for permanent residency from skilled workers worldwide. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying through this system, helping you understand each process stage and what you can expect.

Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility

• Initial Assessment: Begin by answering questions about your age, work experience, language ability, and education. This helps determine if you meet the minimum requirements for any Express Entry programs.
• Eligibility Tools: Use tools provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to check your eligibility online.

Step 2: Calculate Your CRS Score

• Understanding CRS: If you’re eligible, you’ll enter the Express Entry pool, where you’ll be ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This score is crucial as it determines your chances of receiving an application invitation.
• Score Factors: Your CRS score is calculated based on skills, education, language ability, and other factors.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

• Document Checklist: Although you don’t need to upload documents to submit a profile, you’ll need details from certain documents such as:
  • Passport or travel document
  • Language test results
  • Educational credential assessment (if educated outside Canada)
• Additional Requirements: Prepare for further steps by gathering:
  • Police certificates
  • Medical exams
  • Proof of funds
  • Birth certificates

Step 4: Complete Your Express Entry Profile

• Profile Setup: Provide comprehensive information about yourself in your Express Entry profile. If you meet the criteria, IRCC will accept you into the pool of candidates and assign you a CRS score.
• No Guarantees: Entering the pool does not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation and Apply

• Invitations to Apply: IRCC sends invitations to the highest-ranking candidates in the pool. If you receive an invitation, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency.

Understanding Potential Challenges in Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan: What International Businesses Need to Know

As international businesses plan their expansion or staffing strategies in Canada, understanding potential roadblocks within the current immigration framework is crucial. Changes in the Express Entry system and potential backlogs could impact your ability to manage and predict workforce needs effectively.

1. Increased CRS Scores and Category-Based Draws

• Talent Acquisition Delays: The shift to category-based draws in the Express Entry system has resulted in higher CRS scores for general invitations, which can delay the hiring process for skilled workers who do not fall into specific favored categories.
• Reduced Flexibility: Businesses might find it challenging to attract diverse talent, as the system now favours individuals with specific language or occupational backgrounds.

2. Strain on French-Speaking Immigration Targets

• Competitive Displacement: The plan to increase French-speaking permanent resident admissions could displace other skilled workers in the Express Entry pool, as the number of spots for non-Francophones may decrease.
• Planning Uncertainty: Businesses needing to fill positions with non-French-speaking skilled workers might face increased competition and uncertainty.

3. Inconsistencies and Backlogs

• Operational Delays: The apparent inconsistencies between the announced Canada immigration levels and new programs could lead to processing backlogs, affecting businesses waiting for skilled workers to receive permanent residency.
• Policy Uncertainty: The slow integration of new programs, such as those for Hong Kong and Ukrainian nationals, into the actual immigration levels plan, creates uncertainty in workforce planning.

Future Considerations

• Political Influence: With the Canadian federal election approaching in 2025, immigration policies may undergo significant revisions. Businesses should stay informed and prepared for changes affecting their global mobility strategies.
• Strategic Recommendations: Engage with immigration consultants to navigate the complexities of Canada’s immigration system. Plan for longer lead times and consider contingency staffing strategies.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Canada’s Future Through Strategic Immigration

As we look to the future, Canada’s 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan reaffirms the nation’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive and equitable immigration system. With policies prioritising inclusiveness and integration, Canada sets a global standard.

At Centuro Global, we stay abreast of all relevant developments to provide timely and accurate advice in navigating the complexities of the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan for prospective businesses and stakeholders aiming for success in Canada.

If you seek expert guidance on leveraging this strategy for your immigration or business expansion goals, contact our experienced immigration team. We are just an email away, ready to help you map a promising future in Canada.