Shillong, November 2: Canada has revealed its immigration plans for 2024-2026, with the goal of maintaining a consistent number of 485,000 new immigrants, similar to the figures for 2023.
As per IANS, however, the country aims to increase immigration levels to 500,000 by 2025, according to Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.
India, as the largest source of immigration and students to Canada, will be a significant beneficiary of these immigration targets. A record 281,135 newcomers will be admitted under the economic category, along with 114,000 under the family category. In the previous year, over 118,000 Indians acquired Canadian permanent residency, representing a quarter of the total 437,120 newcomers to Canada.
These new immigration targets will contribute to an annual population increase of 1.3% in Canada. High immigration levels have already helped the country’s population surpass 40 million, despite facing a shortage of housing.
The decision to maintain high immigration levels has been upheld by the Justin Trudeau-led government, even in the face of opposition due to housing constraints. Miller stated, “Canada will continue to welcome newcomers and ensure that they are supported in their new lives.” However, he acknowledged that immigration levels are being capped at 500,000 to consider housing, infrastructure planning, and sustainable population growth.
In 2024, Canada plans to welcome a record 76,115 new refugees. The country processed over 5.2 million applications for permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship from individuals around the world in the previous year.