Canada’s Immigration Agenda for 2024-2026 !

Canada Announces Immigration Levels Plan 2024–2026

Canada has released its Immigration Levels Plan for 2024–2026, and as a result, the country now has a clear roadmap for permanent resident admissions across the next three years. The plan outlines how many newcomers will enter under the economic, family, and humanitarian classes. Furthermore, the government chose to maintain the same overall targets as the previous year.

In 2024, Canada will welcome 485,000 immigrants. In contrast, both 2025 and 2026 will see a higher target of 500,000 newcomers each year. Ultimately, this steady increase reflects Canada’s long-term commitment to population and economic growth.

Although the overall numbers remain unchanged, the new update introduces the 2026 target and several program-specific adjustments for 2024–2026. Consequently, stakeholders now have more clarity about future admissions.

Express Entry and PNP Targets to Increase

To begin with, Canada plans notable increases in its two largest economic pathways.

• Express Entry:
  • 110,700 admissions in 2024
  • 117,500 admissions in both 2025 and 2026
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
  • 110,000 newcomers in 2024
  • 120,000 newcomers in 2025 and 2026

Moreover, family immigration levels will also rise. Canada aims to admit:

• 82,000 spouses, partners, and children in 2024, increasing to 84,000 in 2025 and 2026
• 32,000 parents and grandparents in 2024, rising to 34,000 in 2025 and 2026

Altogether, these increases demonstrate the government’s intention to support family reunification while expanding economic immigration.

Minister Miller Responds to the 2024–2026 Plan

Shortly after announcing the new levels plan, Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged ongoing issues within the immigration system. Therefore, he committed to reforms aimed at improving service and strengthening public confidence.

“IRCC has been engaging with stakeholders and the public throughout the year to help shape the future of a stronger immigration system,” he noted.

Following this statement, IRCC released its updated strategic report so that employers, institutions, and newcomers could better understand the department’s direction. Accordingly, the report highlights several priorities, including:

• Aligning immigration with labour-market needs
• Modernizing digital systems and application procedures
• Improving processing standards
• Supporting smaller communities in attracting newcomers
• Expanding French-speaking immigration

Consequently, the immigration system is expected to become more efficient, accessible, and responsive to economic needs.

Balancing Service Needs With Infrastructure Challenges

Meanwhile, the broader plan connects to Miller’s earlier report, Immigration System for Canada’s Future. This document explains how the federal government intends to help communities and industries grow through a stronger and more coordinated immigration strategy.

Additionally, the report acknowledges that Canada must balance immigration growth with infrastructure capacity. Because of this, the government aims to improve service delivery while supporting local communities that depend on new workers.

Key Measures in the Immigration Plan

The plan includes multiple reforms that aim to strengthen the immigration system. For example, IRCC will:

• Reduce wait times through enhanced processing capacity and new digital tools
• Strengthen partnerships with employers, provinces, and community organizations
• Build trust through document authentication and the Recognized Employer Pilot
• Improve access to clear information online
• Create an advisory body of immigrants with lived experience
• Offer more support to small- and medium-sized businesses hiring international talent

Overall, these measures are designed to make the immigration system faster, fairer, and more transparent.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1)905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).