The government of Canada has announced its 2022‒2024 Immigration Levels Plan. The plan is to continue welcoming immigrants at a rate of about 1% of Canada’s population. This means the intake of new permanent residents will be about
431,645 in 2022,
447,055 in 2023, and
451,000 in 2024.
Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Minister must table the Levels Plan in Parliament each year. This plan takes into account extensive engagement with provincial and territorial representatives, as well as public opinion research and stakeholder consultations.
Mr. Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said “The 2022–2024 Immigration Levels Plan will help cement Canada’s place among the world’s top destinations for talent, creating a strong foundation for post-pandemic economic growth while reuniting family members with their loved ones and fulfilling Canada’s humanitarian commitments”
To support these increased levels, the Government of Canada recently announced a plan to help address key challenges faced by many applicants. The Minister said, “This plan also recognizes the importance of family reunification and helps maintain the 12-month processing standard for spouses and children.”
Some salient features of the plan include:
- Overall intake amounting to approximately 1% of the Canadian population by 2024.
- A long-term focus on economic growth, with nearly 60% of admissions in the Economic Class.
- Special measures for granting permanent residence to refugee claimants working in health care during the pandemic.
- Providing safe haven through humanitarian immigration to those facing persecution.
- Applicants already in Canada to be granted permanent status through special limited pathways launched in spring 2021