💡 Fun fact:
Canada welcomed 465,000 immigrants in 2023. Its new target in 2024 is 485,000 new permanent residents (PR) and in both 2025 and 2026, Canada plans to add 500,000 immigrants each year. Exciting times ahead!
Each year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) releases updated Immigration Level Plans to guide its operations. Below is an overview of the Immigration Level Plans for 2023–2025.
The Immigration Level Plans for 2023-2025 are as follows:
| Immigration Category |
Overall Planned Permanent Resident Admissions |
2023
Target: 465,000 |
2024
Target: 485,000 |
2025
Target: 500,000 |
| Economic |
Federal High Skilled |
82,500 |
109,020 |
114,000 |
| Federal Economic Public Policies |
25,000 |
- |
- |
| Federal Business |
3,500 |
5,000 |
6,000 |
| Economic Pilots; Caregivers |
8,500 |
12,125 |
14,750 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program |
8,500 |
11,500 |
14,500 |
| Provincial Nomination Program |
105,500 |
110,000 |
117,500 |
| Quebec Skilled Workers and Business |
See the Quebec immigration plan |
To be determined |
To be determined |
| Family |
Spouses, Partners, and Children |
78,000 |
80,000 |
82,000 |
| Parents and Grandparents |
28,500 |
34,000 |
36,000 |
| Refugees and Protected Persons |
Protected Persons in Canada and Dependents Abroad |
25,000 |
27,000 |
29,000 |
| Resettled Refugees - Government-Assisted |
23,550 |
21,115 |
15,250 |
| Resettled Refugees - Blended Visa Office-Referred |
250 |
250 |
250 |
| Humanitarian & Compassionate and Other |
Total Humanitarian & Compassionate and Other |
15,985 |
13,750 |
8,000 |
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|
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Note: These targets are subject to adjustment as new data and policies emerge.
Boosting French‑Speaking Immigration
To meet its Francophone Immigration Strategy objective, Canada has set a target for French-speaking immigrants (outside Quebec) to comprise 4.4% of overall admissions in 2023. This benchmark may be updated once Quebec finalizes its own immigration levels plan.
French‑speaking immigration admissions are necessary to meet the 2023 objective in the Francophone Immigration Strategy.
5 Reasons why Canada needs Immigrants?
Canada’s growing immigration targets are driven by both opportunity and necessity. Here’s why:
- Aging Population: Canada has one of the oldest populations in the world, which puts pressure on social services and healthcare.
- Stagnant Birth Rates: With low birth rates, the labor force isn’t replenished naturally.
- Economic Growth: A steady influx of immigrants helps maintain and grow the workforce, driving economic development.
- Post-COVID Recovery: The economic challenges brought on by the pandemic have underscored the need for a robust labor market.
- Innovation and Diversity: Economic immigration brings fresh ideas, skills, and cultural diversity that fuel innovation and competitiveness.
Immigration Pathways and Programs according to IRCC
Canada offers a range of immigration programs tailored to different skills, experiences, and needs. These include:
The Economic Programs are:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program: This Express Entry-managed program is for immigrants with the requisite education, work experience, proficiency in English and/or French, and other skills needed to establish themselves economically in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC): The Express Entry-managed Federal Skilled Trades Class is for foreign workers with qualifications in a skilled trade.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The Canadian Experience Class is managed by the Express Entry system and welcomes expressions of interest from foreign workers with Canadian work experience or recent graduates of Canadian educational institutions working in Canada.
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP): The Atlantic Immigration Pilot allows designated Atlantic employers to recruit and hire foreign skilled workers or international graduates in the Atlantic Canada region (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick).
- Caregivers Program: Canada allows eligible foreigners caring for children and people with high medical needs the opportunity to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
- Federal Business (Start-Up Visa Program and Self-Employed Person): Federal business class programs allow foreigners who meet eligibility requirements the chance to run new or pre-existing businesses in Canada.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): This program allows participating provinces and territories to nominate eligible economic immigration candidates for Canadian permanent residence.
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program and Quebec Business: The province of Quebec runs its own immigration system outside the federal system. The Government of Quebec's planned levels for 2019 to 2021 have yet to be determined.
The Family Class Programs are:
Refugees and Protected Persons, Humanitarian and other
In Conclusion
Canada’s ambitious immigration targets reflect its commitment to economic growth, innovation, and addressing demographic challenges. Whether you’re a skilled worker, entrepreneur, or looking to reunite with family, there’s an immigration pathway designed to suit your unique circumstances.
If you’re considering making Canada your new home, now is an exciting time to explore your options. With clear targets and diverse programs, Canada is poised to welcome a vibrant mix of talent from around the globe.