Maple News reports that Canada is preparing for another year of transformative immigration policy amid continued challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic remains a central issue shaping immigration strategy, the federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging immigration to bolster the economy, reunite families, and fulfill humanitarian obligations.
Throughout 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is expected to make two major announcements regarding its Immigration Levels Plans. These plans will set new targets for permanent resident admissions between 2022–2024 and 2023–2025. The first announcement is scheduled by February 14, a delay caused by the federal election in September 2021. The second update is expected by November 1. Under the current plan, Canada is targeting 411,000 new immigrants in 2022 and 421,000 in 2023, though these figures could be revised higher in response to labor shortages, Afghan refugee resettlement commitments, and application backlogs.
Express Entry, Canada’s flagship immigration system, is also poised for significant developments in 2022. In 2021, invitations were limited to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), sidelining applicants in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for the first time since Express Entry was launched in 2015. This was a strategic move by IRCC to prioritize applicants already in Canada and reduce the risk of pandemic-related processing delays.
As of now, FSWP candidates—who account for an estimated 85% of the Express Entry pool—remain excluded from invitations. IRCC has not provided a specific timeline for resuming draws for these candidates. However, a September 2021 internal memo suggested that FSWP invitations may resume once the department cuts the Express Entry backlog by more than 50% and can return to its six-month standard for processing permanent residence applications.
Minister Sean Fraser has signaled the government’s openness to even higher immigration levels, provided Canadian employers and communities support the move. This position is fueled in part by strong demographic and economic needs, particularly labor market shortages that were exacerbated during the pandemic.
Despite backlogs and travel restrictions, application processing continues across categories, and Canada’s robust immigration targets suggest the system remains in forward motion. Meanwhile, the effort to welcome 40,000 Afghan refugees is ongoing, further demonstrating Canada’s dedication to its humanitarian objectives.
Looking ahead, immigration stakeholders will be watching closely for updates to the Express Entry program, the return of FSWP invitations, and how Canada continues to adapt its immigration system in response to a global environment still reshaped by COVID-19. Maple News will provide ongoing coverage as these developments unfold.