Maple News reports that Canada is staying firm on its long-term immigration ambitions, as outlined in the country’s latest Immigration Levels Plan for 2024–2026. Released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on November 1, the plan confirms the country will welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and targets 500,000 arrivals in both 2025 and 2026.
The plan underscores Canada’s commitment to leveraging immigration as a strategic tool to support economic growth, address labour shortages, and reunite families. Notably, around 60% of all new permanent residents will enter through the economic class—a stream reserved for skilled workers and professionals expected to contribute significantly to the Canadian economy.
IRCC emphasized that immigration plays a crucial role in meeting Canada’s workforce demands, especially in key sectors facing chronic labour shortages. The consistent targets also reflect a broader objective to maintain Canada’s global competitiveness by ensuring that its labour market has the right mix of skills for future prosperity.
While Canada is doubling down on immigration, several other popular destinations for newcomers are pulling back. Australia, for example, has announced plans to cut its immigration intake nearly in half by mid-2025, lowering annual admissions to around 250,000. This measure, designed to bring levels back to pre-pandemic norms, also coincides with tighter visa restrictions, especially for international students and less-skilled migrants.
The contrast highlights Canada’s unique stance in the global immigration landscape. While other countries reevaluate their systems amid political and economic pressures, Canada is enhancing its openness and using immigration to directly support long-term national development.
Yet this approach isn’t without its challenges. As immigration numbers rise, housing affordability, healthcare access, and infrastructure support remain pressing concerns that the Canadian government must continue to address. Balancing growth with integration will be critical to the plan’s long-term success.
Despite such challenges, Canada’s model stands out for its strategic alignment between immigration policy and economic planning. It sends a clear message: Canada’s door remains open to skilled newcomers ready to contribute—and build a future—in a country that actively welcomes them.