Maple News reports that Canada has officially unveiled its Immigration Levels Plan for 2024 to 2026, reaffirming its commitment to welcome historically high numbers of newcomers in the coming years. The plan maintains consistency with previous targets, aiming to strengthen the country’s economy, address labor shortages, and support population growth.
Under the new plan, Canada will admit 485,000 permanent residents in 2024. This number will increase to 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. These figures mirror the goals set in the previous Immigration Levels Plan for 2023–2025, with the newly confirmed 2026 targets now providing a longer-term outlook for immigration policy.
The economic class will remain the cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy. In 2024, approximately 281,135 immigrants—about 58% of all admissions—will come through economic programs. By 2026, this figure will rise to 301,250, accounting for 60% of that year’s total immigration goal. These programs help fill labor market gaps and fuel economic development across the country.
Meanwhile, the family class—which reunites spouses, children, and other close relatives—will make up 24% of total admissions throughout the period. Targets will rise slightly from 114,000 in 2024 to 118,000 in 2026, reflecting Canada’s continued focus on family reunification.
Humanitarian and refugee pathways will see a modest decrease over the three years. In 2024, about 89,865 individuals, or 19% of total immigrants, will be admitted for humanitarian and compassionate reasons. By 2026, that number will decline to 80,832, representing 16% of the total.
Canada’s two primary immigration streams—the Express Entry system and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)—are also set for incremental growth. The target for Express Entry principal applicants, spouses, and dependents will be 110,700 in 2024, increasing to 117,500 in 2025 and remaining at that level in 2026. Similarly, the PNP targets will also rise gradually, supporting regional labor needs across provinces and territories.
The federal government emphasizes that these targets are designed to balance short-term labor market demands with long-term demographic and economic goals. As the population ages and birth rates decline, immigration remains a cornerstone of Canada’s growth strategy.
According to Maple News, stakeholders across industries, from tech startups to healthcare and skilled trades, are increasingly reliant on stable and predictable immigration policies. By laying out a multi-year plan, Canada is helping employers, provincial governments, and newcomers prepare with greater certainty and strategic foresight.