The Canadian government has unveiled the Immigration Levels Plan for skilled workers, caregivers, and others desired to move to the country from 2024 to 2026.
This includes the economic immigrants, the family class, and the humanitarian targets.
The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), which made this known in a statement, disclosed that it is planning to receive 485,000 new immigrants in 2024, while 500,000 new immigrants are expected each in 2025 and 2026.
It said: “Canada’s immigration levels will remain unchanged from its current targets. In 2024, the country will target the admission of 485,000 new immigrants. In 2025 and 2026, Canada will look to welcome 500,000 new immigrants each year
“The targets are the same as those announced under the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025.
“The new information released today is the 2026 target, as well as updates to the levels of immigrants that will be admitted under each class and program between 2024-2026.
“In 2024, Canada will look to welcome about 281,135 immigrants under the economic class or 58 per cent of the annual target. By 2026, this will rise to 301,250 immigrants or 60 per cent of the annual target.”
Economic immigrants are people selected for their skills and ability to contribute to Canada’s economy, including skilled workers, business immigrants, provincial and territorial nominees, and live-in caregivers.
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The CIC further stated that the family class target, in 2024, will be 114,000 immigrants, or 24 per cent of all admissions, saying this will increase to 118,000 immigrants by 2026, which will also be 24 per cent of all admissions.
This implies that Nigerians and other countries to benefit from this plan must be skilled workers and caregivers.
Skilled workers include carpenters, plumbers and welders while caregivers are professionals in the health sector.
Family Class immigrants are people who are sponsored by a close relative to come to Canada.
According to the CIC, sponsors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older. They must show that they are willing and able to provide financial help and support to the immigrating relative.
It added: Humanitarian admission targets will be 89,865 immigrants in 2024, or about 19 per cent of all admissions.
“These totals include refugees, protected persons, and those admitted for humanitarian, compassionate, or other reasons. By 2026, the target will be 80,832 immigrants, or 16 per cent of admissions.
“The Express Entry target will be 110,700 permanent resident admissions in 2024, and this will rise to 117,500 immigrants in each of 2025 and 2026.
“The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) target will be 110,000 immigrants in 2024, and rise to 120,000 in 2025, and another 120,000 in 2026.
“Spousal, Partner, and Children sponsorship has a target of 82,000 admissions in 2024, and this will rise to 84,000 in each of 2025 and 2026. Meanwhile, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) target will be 32,000 immigrants in 2024, followed by 34,000 immigrants in each of 2025 and 2026.”
The Canadian government, however, noted that the immigration plan is tailored to support economic growth while balancing with the pressures in areas like housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The government added: “It charts a responsible course for sustainable and stable population growth…Starting in 2026, the government will stabilize permanent resident levels at 500,000, allowing time for successful integration, while continuing to augment Canada’s labour market.
“The government also plans to take action over the next year to recalibrate the number of temporary resident admissions to ensure this aspect of our immigration system also remains sustainable.”
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