CANADA IMMIGRATION PLAN 2022-2024
Much awaited Canada Immigration plan for 2022-2024 is out now. Everyone has been eyeing it for quite some time, especially after the pandemic hit and things have moved pretty slow as far as Canada PR is concerned. However, since Jan 2022 IRCC is working quite efficiently and fast on the backlogs they have created for themselves for the year 2021. I am saying this from my personal experience, as many of my old pending cases have started to hear from IRCC. The kind of pace they (IRCC) have adopted with things remain the same and in the words of Minister Fraser IRCC, should be able to most likely clear the backlogs in the next few months. And this is why the FSW & CEC draws have been kept on hold for time being.
As per IRCC, the target for the year 2022 and the coming next two years have been increased. Canada plans to land 4,32,000 immigrants in the current year against its initial plan of welcoming 4,11 000 newcomers.
Going ahead, Canada plans to target the following number of new Immigrants :
2022: 431, 645 permanent residents
2023: 447,055 permanent residents
2024: 451,000 permanent residents
Even though FSW is on halt temporarily, PNP invitations have been ongoing since the start of the pandemic and will continue to stand out and make their way throughout the year with a target of around 83,500 new immigrants and this is a big positive one (at least gateway to CANADA is not closed). Moreover, the temporary reductions in the current year in FSW intakes are due to the fact that IRCC has aimed at accommodating and clearing the backlog created through TR2PR in 2021. Express Entry draws are continuing on a biweekly basis and IRCC is processing Express Entry applications.
Among the newcomers, as per the survey conducted last year, major beneficiaries will be Indians as they comprise the single largest source country for immigrants that lands in Canada. The 2021 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, showed that India remains the largest source country for immigration into Canada. The arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 reduced the intake severely, but of the 184,606 permanent residents admitted that year, Indians accounted for 42,876, or 23% of the total and almost two-and-a-half times the numbers for the next highest, China, at 16,535.
“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." - Immigration Minister Fraser said.
Canada’s main immigration law, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), states the Canadian government must announce its immigration plan by November 1 each year when Parliament is sitting. However, a levels plan announcement did not take place last year due to the Canadian government holding an election in September.
The levels plan guides Canada’s immigration system. It outlines the number of immigrants Canada will look to welcome under its various federal, provincial, and territorial programs. IRCC and the provinces and territories then adjust their operations based on the plan to ensure they are able to attract, settle, integrate, and retain the targeted levels of newcomers set to arrive.
Canada targets high levels of newcomers to support its economy and fiscal standing. Due to its ageing population and low birth rate, Canada needs higher levels of immigration to support its population, labour force, and economic growth, as well as to have enough workers to pay the taxes necessary to support important social services such as health care and education. Canada also pursues social immigration objectives including reuniting families, providing humanitarian assistance, and strengthening its Francophone heritage.
Barring the very unlikely scenario Canada holds an election for the second year in a row, the Canadian government will be legally required to table its second Immigration Levels Plan of the year by Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 at the latest. This plan will replace the one announced recently.
As noted, the 2021 announcement did not take place due to the September federal election. The Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 will be the normally scheduled announcement.
So the bottom line is, CANADA is doing all it can to make for the lost time and clear the backlog piled up. And all one has to do is to stay positive and be patient. Things will turn better with updated immigration plans.
"Immigration nowadays is an opportunity and not a choice, so be flexible in your approach and adjust your sails with the wind to sail through smoothly."