Canada's Immigration in 2024: An Overview of Future Landscape

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to roll out a series of impactful changes in 2024 that will significantly influence newcomers to Canada. The Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026 underscores Canada’s ambitious target of welcoming 485,000 permanent residents (PRs) in the year 2024, marking a substantial increase. This plan not only reflects a commitment to robust immigration levels but also highlights the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline and enhance the overall client experience.

[aikit_audio_player]

Evolution of Immigration Pathways in 2024

A key area of focus is the Express Entry System, which witnessed category-based draws in 2023. These draws prioritized individuals with French language proficiency and those with recent work experience in critical sectors such as Healthcare, Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Trades, Transport, and Agri-Food/Agriculture. In the upcoming year, IRCC plans to continue with category-based draws but has signaled an intent to reevaluate and potentially adjust the focus categories based on the evolving needs of Canada’s labor market.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are positioned as a pivotal immigration pathway in 2024, constituting the largest share of immigration targets. New guidelines and the introduction of multi-year plans for PNPs offer provinces a strategic framework for immigration, allowing for more informed planning and allocation.

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is expected to see an increase in its admission spaces, rising from 28,500 in 2023 to 32,000 in 2024, contingent on IRCC’s ability to improve intake management and align application inputs and outputs more effectively.

Advancements in Canada’s Student Program and Digital Transformation

Enhancements to Canada’s International Student Program include the implementation of a reformed Letter of Acceptance (LOA) verification system. Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are now mandated to confirm every applicant’s LOA directly with IRCC, aiming to prevent fraud and ensure that study permits are issued based on genuine LOAs. Furthermore, a review of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is underway, with anticipated reforms aligning it with the country’s labor market needs and Francophone immigration goals.

In a broader context, IRCC is committed to a digital transformation, harnessing technology and AI to improve processing times, enhance tools for IRCC officers, and align with immigration and diversity priorities. This initiative aims to make applications more user-friendly and strengthen partnerships with employers and institutions relying on immigration.

A novel development is the establishment of a new advisory board within IRCC, comprising individuals with “lived experience in immigration.” This board is expected to play a pivotal role in influencing immigration policy and service delivery, ensuring a human-centric approach.

Finally, the introduction of the Chief International Talent Officer (CITO) is slated to bring about substantial changes in Canada’s annual immigration landscape. The CITO’s role is crucial in aligning the immigration system with national labor market and sectoral strategies, signaling a dynamic shift in the approach to immigration in 2024 and beyond. Prospective immigrants are urged to stay abreast of these developments as they unfold.

How mana immigration Can Help

Are you thinking of becoming a permanent resident in Canada? At mana immigration, our primary objective is to assist individuals in realizing their aspirations of relocating to Canada. Our team comprises seasoned professionals well-versed in navigating the intricacies of the Express Entry system. Indeed, we are committed to aiding clients in enhancing their prospects of receiving invitations. Seize the opportunity to assess your CRS Score today, and let our experts help you optimize it for the upcoming Express Entry draw. Furthermore, our Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score calculator provides comprehensive insights into your language proficiency for your application. Should you require more details about your eligibility, feel free to contact us. Afterwards, we will promptly arrange a free consultation for you.