The Covid-19 pandemic severely restricted immigration in 2020. The 2022-24 Immigration Levels Plan introduced by Minister Sean Fraser on February 14 plans to welcome more permanent residents and to resettle the largest number of newcomers in Canada's history with nearly 432,000 in 2022. This is an increase from the original 411,000 newcomers in 2022 announced in the Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023.
The 2022-24 Immigration Levels Plan includes:
- 431,645 permanent residents in 2022
- 447,055 in 2023
- 451,000 in 2024, and the high end of the 475,000 range forecast for 2024 could reach 475,000
“Immigration has helped shape Canada into the country it is today. From farming and fishing to manufacturing, healthcare and the transportation sector, Canada relies on immigrants. We are focused on economic recovery, and immigration is the key to getting there. Setting bold new immigration targets, as outlined in the 2022-2024 Levels Plan, will further help bring the immeasurable contribution of immigrants to our communities and across all sectors of the economy.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser,
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
In 2021 Canada set an immigration record and welcomed 405,000 new permanent residents, mainly immigrants who were already living and working in Canada.
Canada's ageing workforce and need for skilled talent mean that by 2031 immigration is expected to account for 80% of Canada’s population growth, up from the current 75%. Over 9 million Canadians will reach retirement age in the next decade.
56% of Planned Immigration Growth Economic Based but NOT Thru Express Entry
In announcing Canada's new immigration goals, the breakdown by immigration class and stream is:
- 56% of new immigrants will arrive under economic class programs including Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and the Temporary to Permanent Residence (TR to PR) program
- 83,500 newcomers will be welcomed by PNP in 2022
- IRCC has reduced Express Entry admissions by 50% in 2022
- 24% in family class including Spousal Sponsorship and the Parents and Grandparents Program
- 20% under refugee and humanitarian programs
Minister Fraser recently discussed clearing Canada's immigration backlog that was caused by pandemic restrictions.
Express Entry Alternatives
IRCC recently announced there will be no new Express Entry draws of Invitations to Apply for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applicants for at least 6 months, until mid-2022. There are alternatives to Express Entry to immigrate to Canada when Express Entry is not an option.
Do You Want to Move to Canada?
There are many opportunities and programs for individuals to move to Canada for economic and family reasons. An immigration professional can review your qualifications and help identify immigration opportunities that fit your education, skills and specific situation.
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