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According to the recently unveiled Immigration Levels Plan by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on November 1, Canada plans to embrace a substantial influx of immigrants in the coming years.

The annual Immigration Levels Plan, a publication by IRCC, delineates the anticipated intake of new permanent residents in Canada for the next three years. Each year, the disclosed figures categorize targets based on immigration classes, including Economic, Family Class, and Refugee/Humanitarian.

It is important to note that the numbers for the final two years of any given plan may undergo adjustments in the subsequent year’s release.

The Plan outlines Canada’s approach to boosting the influx of newcomers while harmonizing their requirements with those of the current population. Specifically, 60% of newly admitted permanent residents fall into the economic class, comprising skilled workers poised to make valuable contributions to the national economy.

Canada’s strategy stands out, presenting a distinctive contrast to the plans implemented by various other prominent immigrant destinations like the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, the United States (US), and New Zealand (NZ).

The Immigration Approach of Canada

According to Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026, the IRCC aims to welcome 485,000 new immigrants in 2024, with subsequent targets of 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026.
In the accompanying notice explaining the new plan, the IRCC states that the decision to maintain high immigration targets is driven by a focus on economic growth, support for family reunification, and addressing humanitarian crises. The IRCC emphasizes the crucial role immigrants play in the labor market, contributing to economic expansion and ensuring that Canada possesses the necessary skills to achieve key objectives. Additionally, the agency highlights the importance of immigrants in preventing labor force gaps in critical sectors from hindering the success and growth of Canadian businesses.

Comparing Canada to Other Leading Immigration Destinations

Australia’s Immigration Strategy
In line with a recent BBC News Sydney article, Australia is set to halve its immigration intake by June 2025, aiming to align levels with those before the pandemic. This move, reducing annual immigration to 250,000, aims to address the perceived shortcomings of the country’s immigration system. Australia plans to tighten visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers, including stricter English-language requirements and increased scrutiny for second visa applications.
For more details on Australia’s immigration reforms, click here.

Policy Changes in the UK

The UK government, as reported by BBC News, is making it more challenging for individuals to obtain work and family visas to decrease net migration. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted the need for this shift, considering the current levels as “far too high.” Changes include adjusting visa rules and raising income thresholds for family visas. An example is the significant increase in the minimum salary requirement for work visas, rising from £26,200 to £38,700 in Spring 2024, marking nearly a 50% surge.

Further information on the UK’s immigration policies, including the revamped points-based system, can be found here.

New Zealand’s Immigration Concerns

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed worries about unsustainable immigration levels in New Zealand, anticipating a slowdown in international migration. Recent concerns raised by The Reserve Bank about the impact on rents, house prices, and inflation have prompted the government to seek a balance in immigration policy. While specific details are yet to be provided, Luxon emphasized the need to reevaluate the country’s immigration approach.

For more insights into Luxon’s comments on New Zealand’s immigration stance, click here.

Current State of US Immigration

A report from the Cato Institute in September emphasized the outdated nature of the US immigration system, hindering national labor force growth. The report highlighted the diminishing role of the US in global immigrant population growth and stressed the positive impact of skilled immigrant workers on innovation and productivity. The institute pointed out that the US has not expanded its green card caps since 1990, ranking in the bottom third of wealthy countries for its foreign-born population share.

To read the full report from the Cato Institute, click here.

Global Implications for Prospective Immigrants
Among the countries analyzed, Canada stands out as the only destination not planning significant immigration cuts. Meanwhile, other popular immigrant destinations are actively seeking to reduce international migration. Prospective immigrants worldwide should consider the evolving immigration policies of their desired destinations, acknowledging the potential impact on opportunities for work, education, and life in another country.

While immigration strategies can evolve, individuals contemplating relocation should conduct thorough research to align their choices with both short and long-term personal and professional goals.