Canada has welcomed 19 million people since Confederation and is home to over 200 ethnic communities. By 2022, Canada reached its target and welcomed 437,539 new permanent residents surpassing 2021’s record. According to Statistics Canada as of October 1, 2023, an increase of 430,635 people from July 1st . This is the highest population growth rate in any quarter since 1957. International migration continues to be the main source of Canada’s population growth. From January to September 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s reached its target of 465,000 immigrants for the year. As announced by IRCC on its Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026, Canada aims to welcome a total of 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024.
Alberta attracts interprovincial migrants from all provinces and territories. Alberta has registered interprovincial migration gains of 10,000 or more for five consecutive quarters for the first time since 1971.
Enhancements to Canada’s International Student Program
I have discussed this topic in my previous article (December 2023 article). Starting December 1st , 2023, Designated Learning Institutions (DLI’s) across Canada are now required to confirm every applicant’s letter of acceptance directly with IRCC. This process according to IRCC ‘s new, enhanced verification process aims to protect prospective students from fraud while ensuring that study permits are issued based only on genuine LOA’s. This aims to strengthen the integrity of the International Student Program of Canada and to better protect foreign nationals.
Starting Jan 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised so that international students are financially prepared for life in Canada. Moving forward, this threshold will be adjusted each year when Statistics Canada updates the low income cut off (LICO). For 2024, a single applicant will need to show they have $ 20,635.00, representing 75% of LICO, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs.
In Nov 2023, IRCC announced that they will be conducting a review of its Post-Graduation Work permit (PGWP) program. This review is expected to result in IRCC “introducing reforms to allow PGWP holders apply for permanent residence that will align to the country’s labour market needs, as well as regional and Francophone immigration goals.
Express Entry Updates
IRCC started conducting category based Express Entry draws in 2023. In category-based rounds of invitations, IRCC will invite candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for a specific category established by the Minister to meet an identified economic goal. IRCC will invite candidates to apply for permanent residence based on criteria such as :
- ability to communicate in a specific official language (FRENCH)
- work experience in a specific occupation
- education
For 2023, IRCC chose the following categories below:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
My question is would the CRS score go down in 2024?
Parents and Grandparents Program
In 2023, IRCC sent out 24,200 invitations to apply to potential sponsors from the remaining pool of interest to sponsor forms submitted in 2020.
As per IRCC’s Supplementary Information for the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan, for 2024, they are planning to accept 32,000 permanent residents. This will be a welcome news to sponsors who have been on the pool and are waiting to receive ITAS’s from IRCC to sponsor their parents and grandparents.
IRCC to work closely with Provincial Governments
Provincial Nominee Program is an immigration category for workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory and wants to live in that province or territory.
The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with the provinces and territories, employers, stakeholders and Indigenous peoples to help Canada adapt to the realities of immigration-driven population growth. This approach is also guided by an Immigration system for Canada’s Future – a report that lays out a pathway to strengthen our immigration system for newcomers, businesses, and communities.
To Increase the Use of AI and technology
The 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan will consider important progress IRCC has made in the past year through new digital systems and improved client service, which have increased processing capacity and reduced application backlogs. Canada is expected to launch updates across various programs and leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline the
client experience.
Highlights of the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan include:
- A continued long-term focus on economic growth, with over 60% of permanent resident admissions dedicated to the economic class by 2025.
- A commitment to uphold the Government of Canada’s humanitarian tradition support effort by responding to humanitarian and geopolitical crises around the world.
- New ambitious Francophone immigration in 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% in 2026. This is to strengthen Francophone communities outside of Quebec and ensure the economic prosperity of Francophone minority communities across Canada.
Below was taken from the Reports of the Auditor General of Canada to the Parliament of Canada in the matter of Processing Applications for Permanent Residence- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada:
If you have questions regarding the above article, you may contact Marjorie at [email protected]
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain, or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of CICC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.
