Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026: Increased Targets Under Express Entry and PNP 

🍁Highlights

🔸Canada released its new Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 on November 1.
🔸The overall annual admissions target is 500,000 in the next three years.
🔸More than 50% of the admissions targets went to Economic class immigration programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.

Canada has announced that it will be raising its admission targets for both the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in the next three years. This is part of the country’s plan to increase immigration levels to support its economy and address labor shortages.

In 2024, the Express Entry target will be 110,700 permanent resident admissions. This will rise to 117,500 immigrants in each of 2025 and 2026. The PNP target will be 110,000 immigrants in 2024, and rise to 120,000 in 2025, and another 120,000 in 2026.

This represents a significant increase in admissions targets for both programs. In 2023, the Express Entry target is 105,500, and the PNP target is 103,500.

In the past year, PNPs across Canada extended invitations to a total of 83,500 new permanent residents (PRs) to come to Canada. The 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan also indicated that the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had set a PNP target of 105,000 for 2023.

As per the latest Immigration Levels Plan (2024-2026), it anticipates that Express Entry will regain its position as the leading economic immigration pathway in Canada, albeit for the year 2024 alone. However, for 2025 and 2026, the current admission targets indicate that Canada’s PNPs are poised to take the lead among all economic immigration pathways in the country.

🍁What is New in Canada Express Entry? 

IRCC began holding category-based Express Entry draws in June 2023. These draws target candidates with specific skills, training, or language abilities that are in high demand in Canada. 

The first category-based draw was for healthcare workers, and IRCC has since held draws for other occupations such as STEM, trade occupations, transport workers, and agriculture and agri-food workers. Separate draws for French-speaking candidates were also held. 

🍁How to Qualify for Canada PR via PNP?

The initial step is to choose the specific Canadian province or territory where you intend to apply for PNP. Each province has its unique PNP streams and eligibility criteria. These requirements typically encompass factors such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and adaptability. 

Once you confirm that you meet these criteria, you can proceed to either submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or apply directly to the province’s immigration authority, depending on their requirements. If your EOI or application is accepted, you’ll receive a provincial nomination certificate, a significant milestone in your PR journey.

Following the provincial nomination, you must complete the federal application through IRCC to finalize your PR status. This step involves meeting federal immigration requirements, undergoing medical examinations by an approved panel physician, providing police clearance certificates, and paying the necessary application fees. 

Once your PR application is approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), which signifies your official PR status. At this stage, you can plan your arrival in Canada to begin your new life as a permanent resident. 

🍁Simplify Canada Immigration with CanApprove

The increase in admission targets is a reflection of Canada’s growing need for skilled workers. The country is facing a number of demographic challenges, including an aging population and a declining labor force participation rate. Immigration is seen as a key solution to these challenges. 

However, the immigration process can be complex, and the specific requirements may vary between provinces and territories. It is advisable to consult a recognized consultant to get through the entire process. Start by booking a free appointment with CanApprove today!