Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to transform Canada’s immigration landscape with the launch of public consultations for the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan. This initiative aims to gather insights from Canadian citizens, stakeholders, and experts to shape the plan for 2025-2027. With Immigration Minister Marc Miller announcing the new plan this November, IRCC is preparing to implement significant changes that align with the country’s evolving needs.
Innovations for 2024
Traditionally, Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan has focused on the annual number of permanent residents across various immigration categories. However, 2024 will see a major shift. For the first time, the plan will also set targets for new temporary residents alongside permanent residents. This expanded approach aims to create a more comprehensive immigration framework that better addresses the country’s economic and social needs.
Public Input is Crucial
IRCC is actively seeking input from citizens and stakeholders. Public consultations are open until June 30, 2024, inviting everyone to contribute to shaping the next Immigration Levels Plan. Participants can share their views on balancing different immigration categories and enhancing the immigration system to support Canada’s growth and diversity.
To participate, individuals can complete an online survey. Reviewing the survey questions in advance, available as a downloadable PDF, ensures that all perspectives are well-considered, contributing to a robust and inclusive immigration plan.
Planning Canada’s Immigration Levels
Mandated by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), the Immigration Levels Plan is essential for projecting the number of permanent residents Canada aims to admit annually. The plan covers economic, family, refugee, and humanitarian programs, providing a multi-year outlook with firm targets for the first year and notional targets for subsequent years.
The current 2023-2025 plan sets ambitious goals:
- 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024
- 500,000 in 2025
- Stabilization at 500,000 in 2026
For 2025-2027, the plan will include notional targets for temporary residents, marking a comprehensive approach to addressing Canada’s dynamic economic and social needs.
Key Considerations for the Immigration Levels Plan
Developing the Immigration Levels Plan involves balancing various factors:
- Objectives set out in the IRPA
- Government priorities and policies
- Economic and regional needs
- International obligations regarding refugees
- Capacity of IRCC to process applications efficiently
- Ability to settle, integrate, and retain newcomers
These considerations ensure that the plan supports a diverse and vibrant community while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians.
Seeking Balanced Admissions
IRCC aims to achieve the right mix of permanent residents across different immigration classes. In 2025, the planned distribution includes:
- Economic classes: Over 60%
- Family classes: Almost 24%
- Refugee and humanitarian classes: Just over 16%
Feedback on these proportions is crucial to refining the plan. Additionally, for the first time, input on targets for temporary residents, such as international students and temporary workers, is being sought. This holistic approach aims to integrate newcomers effectively, reflecting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society strategy.
By engaging in these consultations, Canadians have the opportunity to shape the future of the nation’s immigration policy, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of the country and supports its growth and prosperity.
By engaging in these consultations, Canadians have the opportunity to shape the future of the nation’s immigration policy, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of the country and supports its growth and prosperity.
