As we step into 2024, Canada’s immigration landscape is planning for likely transformations. The Canadian government has continuously shown that it is dedicated to a strong and welcoming immigration system, making adjustments to meet changing socioeconomic demands and the changing global environment. We’ll look at some major trends and expectations that are likely to impact immigration to Canada in 2024 in this article.
Canada Permanent Residency in 2024
Over the next three years, hundreds of thousands of individuals are scheduled to attain permanent residency through the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Express Entry Updates in 2024
The Express Entry target will be 110,700 permanent resident admissions in 2024.
During the first year of category-specific draws, IRCC chose to prioritize certain groups of immigration candidates. These included individuals with proficiency in the French language and those possessing recent work experience in one of the following five industries:
Healthcare, Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM); Trades; Transport; and Agri-Food/Agriculture.
Looking ahead to 2024, IRCC is anticipated to continue conducting category-based draws. However, the department has explicitly stated its intention to review and potentially modify the focus categories established for 2023, taking into account the evolving requirements of Canada’s labor market. This implies that IRCC may choose new sectors and skill sets as the focal points for category-based Express Entry draws in the upcoming year. This could open up eligibility for new groups of immigrants, allowing them to participate in category-specific draws within the Express Entry system.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Updates in 2024
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) target will be 110,000 immigrants in 2024.
Recently, provinces received new guidelines for PNPs. Additionally, starting in 2024, IRCC is introducing multi-year plans for the PNP. This allows provinces and territories to plan their immigration strategies more effectively, as they will know their allocation for 2025 a year in advance.
These PNP changes mean that individuals looking to immigrate through this pathway will have a clearer understanding of their options for moving to their preferred province or territory. This is due to improved planning by each provincial government.
Improvements to Canada’s International Student Visa Program
Canada is making improvements to its International Student Program to ensure the safety of foreign nationals coming to study in the country. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a revamped system for verifying Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) that will impact all study permit applicants.
Starting from December 1, 2023, Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) throughout Canada are now obligated to verify every applicant’s letter of acceptance directly with IRCC. This new verification process aims to prevent fraud and ensure that study permits are granted only based on authentic LOAs.
In addition, IRCC announced in November that, leading into 2024, it will be reviewing its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. Many international students use the PGWP to apply for permanent residency, as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) gives preference to Canadian work experience.
This review is expected to bring about changes to the PGWP program, aligning it more closely with the needs of Canada’s job market and regional immigration goals, including those related to Francophone communities.
New Requirements for International Students in Canada
In 2024, there will be a new set of requirements for international students to meet. Overseas students will be required to show they have access to $20,635 instead of the $10,000 minimum that has been in place for two decades, in addition to paying for travel and tuition. There will also be an exemption that allows current international students who do not have a work visa to work more than 20 hours per week off campus.
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program Updates 2024
In 2023, Canada planned to welcome 28,500 immigrants through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
For 2024, the most recent Immigration Levels Plan shows an increase in PGP targets to 32,000. If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can enhance the management of applications and better align the intake and processing, more PGP applicants are expected to be able to come to Canada in the upcoming year.
Policy and Other Important Changes Coming to Canadian Immigration in 2024
Tech Talent and Innovation Focus
With the growing importance of the technology sector, Canada is expected to intensify efforts to attract skilled tech professionals. Initiatives such as the Global Talent Stream and Start-up Visa Program may see enhancements to facilitate the entry of innovative minds, fostering economic development and technological advancement.
Emphasis on Provincial Immigration
The Canadian government has shown interest in promoting immigration to less populated provinces and territories to distribute economic benefits more evenly. In 2024, we might witness further initiatives to encourage immigrants to settle in regions outside major urban centers, thereby supporting local development.
Making Immigration Processes Smoother
Efforts to make immigration processes more efficient will be a priority. Using advanced technology like artificial intelligence and digital platforms can help speed up application processing, reducing waiting times for prospective immigrants.
This shift to digital methods will enhance the experience for immigration candidates in various ways. These include, but are not limited to:
- Enhancing service standards
- Building stronger collaborations with employers and institutions dependent on immigration, while tackling fraud and reinforcing safeguards for students and workers
- Enhancing the user-friendliness of applications through the use of digital and virtual technologies.
Introducing Canada’s Chief International Talent Officer
Canada’s immigration department is set to introduce a new position known as the Chief International Talent Officer (CITO). The main duty of this role is to better connect Canada’s immigration system with its national labor market and sectoral strategies.
The department states that this person’s responsibilities have the potential to bring about significant changes in Canada’s yearly immigration. Those planning to immigrate to Canada in 2024 and beyond should stay informed about developments once someone is appointed to this role.
Visit our page on Canada’s Immigration and Levels Plan for 2024-2026 for more information on immigration targets and Canadian immigration in 2024.
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Casey
Meet Casey, one of VisaPlace's immigration news contributors. She brings 6+ years of experience of content creation to VisaPlace. Casey has honed her expertise in delivering comprehensive and up-to-date content on immigration-related matters. Her work not only encompasses the complex legal aspects of immigration but also highlights the ever-evolving policies, procedures, and news that impact immigrants and aspiring visa holders.
