Canadian Immigration Plan – Three-Year Goals Announced

As Canadian immigration aspirants wait for the 2018 immigration program, the Canadian government is indeed aiming for something bigger. On November 1, 2017, the House of Commons presented a Multi-Year Immigration Levels Plan detailing the “One Million Target” for Canadian immigration by 2020. The plan announced that 310,000 permanent residents were invited to Canada to become permanent residents in 2018, 330,000 new immigrants in 2019, and 340,000 new immigrants have the opportunity to become Canadian permanent residents in 2020.

Undoubtedly, as Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said “This is the most ambitious level of immigration in Canada’s recent history.” Against a similar backdrop, the immigration minister told a news conference in Toronto “This historic multi-year immigration levels plan will benefit all Canadians as immigrants contribute their talents to support our economic growth and innovation, helping our country to remain at the forefront of the global economy,’” Minister Husson said at a news conference in Toronto.

Express Entry applicants – next year is all good for you

While 2017 was a good year for most Express Entry applicants, 2018 holds all its treasures. With higher targets set next year, expect the cut-off threshold for the CRS to be lowered and provinces to open up more frequently.

According to statistics, in the next three years, nearly 565,000 candidates will enter Canada through economic projects. Express Entry Canada has played a huge role in meeting Canada’s demand for skilled workers as quickly as possible. Since its launch in 2015, it has undergone further improvements, giving way to more flexible immigration entry. What we cannot miss is that 2017 was a big year for Express Entry Canada, a year in which the number of ITAs for Canadian permanent residents hit a record high.

Figure 1: Fast Track Target Estimation

2018 – 74,900 (up 4%)

2019 – 81,400 (up 9%)

2020 – 85,800 (5% increase)

Provincial nomination rights winners

2017 has been a busy year for the provinces. Since January, provinces have invited a large number of candidates with open arms. They vote on their skills and talents through nomination certificates, doing their best to make qualified candidates part of their economy.

While this is a story from the past, there are more unique things to come in the coming year. According to the plan, nearly 184,000 economic immigrants and their accompanying family members will obtain Canadian permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program in the next few years. What’s more, the provinces need to redouble their efforts to make it easier for test takers in the coming year. Alberta’s recent announcement to align one of its AINP streams with Express Entry Canada is enough evidence to give new hope.

Figure 2: Provincial Nomination Estimates

2018 – 55,000 (up 8%)

2019 – 61,000 (11% increase)

2020 – 67,800 (11% increase)

A blessing in disguise – 2018 Quebec immigration plan

Now, Quebec is back in the immigration race. Quebec, which operates as a separate entity and has its own immigration policy, is expected to open new applications in 2018. According to the announced plan, the province will accept 94,000 skilled worker and business immigration applications in the next three years. This means that for candidates who have always dreamed of permanent residence in Quebec, now is the time. Prepare your application now so you can gain admission immediately during submission.

From immigrant-friendly to immigration-wide goals

According to Canada’s 2016 Census, approximately 22% of Canada’s population is made up of first-generation immigrants. Many of them have become naturalized citizens. With growing interest in Canada and the government’s efforts to invite new immigrants at a faster rate, we can expect immigrants to make up as much as 30 per cent of Canada’s population by 2036 – making the numbers Millions of skilled workers, business people and their families enjoy the joys of living in Canada and the benefits of international permanent residence status.