Canada’s 2024-2026 immigration highlights
Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, which was announced on 1st November 2023, reveals that the country is still set on welcoming thousands of immigrants over the next few years.
This is positive news for anyone hoping to become a permanent resident (PR) of Canada. However, in order to qualify for immigration, applicants must meet the criteria of the visa they’re applying for.
In this article, we will reveal the highlights of Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan, as well as explain how foreign nationals can access Canadian PR through the Canadian Experience Class scheme.
Highlights of Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan
Immigration classes
The biggest highlight of the latest Immigration Levels Plan is the announcement that Canada plans to welcome 485,000 immigrants next year (2024) and 500,000 immigrants between 2025-2026.
In terms of immigration class, Canada is prioritising economic immigrants. It plans to allow 281,135 of these individuals into the country in 2024 (301,250 in 2025 and 301,250 in 2026).
The remaining immigration classes mentioned in the plan are:
- Family immigrants (114,000 by 2024)
- Refugees (76,115 by 2024)
- Humanitarian immigrants (13,750 by 2024)
Provincial Nominee Program
The new information shows that there is a target of 110,000 new permanent residents for Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program. In 2024 and 2025, this is expected to reach 120,000.
Humanitarian tradition
The Canadian government has stated that it will continue to respond to humanitarian needs through its immigration programmes.
The country’s welcoming stance on immigration has prevailed for many years, with the UN awarding Canada the Nansen Medal in 1986. With this new immigration plan, it is clear that its open borders are not changing any time soon.
Family immigration
There are many visa routes that allow families to reside together in Canada. This year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made it clear that it will continue to prioritise family reunification.
The goal is for 82,000 spouses, partners and children of Canadian residents to become permanent residents in Canada in 2024. 84,000 permanent residents are expected to be welcomed into the country in 2025 and 2026.
Parent and grandparent immigration
IRCC specifically referenced parents and grandparents in its Immigration Levels Plan 2024. 32,000 individuals within this group are expected to become Canadian permanent residents in 2024.
For the two following years, 2025 and 2026, the target will be 34,000 parents and grandparents.
Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program, which permits international graduates and skilled foreign workers to reside in Canada permanently, is predicted to rise in popularity.
IRCC hopes that 6,500 foreign nationals will be granted Canadian permanent residence in 2024 as part of this program. The goals for 2025 and 2026 are 8,500.
Francophone immigration
Finally, the Canadian government has announced its desire to strengthen the Francophone communities of Canada.
Part of its strategy is to ensure Canada’s total immigration statistics are representative of its Francophone people. In 2024, IRCC wants 6% of total immigration to involve Francophone individuals. This goal rises to 7% in 2025 and 8% in 2026.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is an immigration route for skilled foreign workers who would like to obtain permanent residence in Canada.
Eligibility requirements
The eligibility requirements are based on language competency and Canadian work experience.
In terms of language, applicants must meet the minimum score in an approved English language test. Their score can be uploaded to their Express Entry profile.
Applicants must also have proof of at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 months. The work must have been paid, and candidates must have performed the tasks outlined in the National Occupation Classification.
Finally, the work experience must have been undertaken while the candidate was a temporary resident of Canada. All work must have been legal and authorised.
Documents
The documents required in the initial stages are:
- Proof of work experience
- Language test results
- Provincial nomination
- Passport or travel document
- Evidence of Canadian education or an educational credential assessment report
- Written job offer from a Canadian employer
- Evidence of funds
- Certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province or territory
Further into the application, the following documents may be requested:
- Divorce, birth, death, adoption, and/or marriage certificates
- Police certificates
- Common-law union form
- Representative form
- ‘Authority to release personal information to a designated individual’ form
- Evidence of relationship to a Canadian relative
- Digital photos of the candidate
- Any alternative names
Application
To gain Canadian Experience Class status, candidates must first create a free Express Entry profile on the Canadian government website.
Successful candidates will be invited to apply a fee of $825 (plus $225 per dependent). The application must be completed within 60 days of receiving the invitation. This involves attaching the supporting documents that have been requested.
Legal assistance for Canadian immigration
Canada’s open attitude towards immigration means people from a wide range of backgrounds may get the opportunity to live and work in Canada without having existing links to the country.
However, just because someone qualifies for an immigration route doesn’t mean the process will be easy. There is still a requirement to gather the correct supporting documents, complete the application accurately, and meet each deadline.
Legal assistance is recommended as it helps applicants to understand what is expected of them at every stage of the immigration process. If there is anything they are uncertain about, they can ask their immigration solicitor, who will equip them with specialist knowledge about their case.
