Canada unveils its new immigration plan to fill labor market shortages and boost the country’s economic prosperity post the Covid-19 pandemic. On February 14, 2022, the Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, presented the 2022‒2024 Canada Immigration Levels Plan, significantly highlighting ways to grant permanent residency to 1.3 million newcomers over the next three years. The idea is to support economic recovery during the pandemic and address labor shortages across several industries that rely on immigrants.

For many years, Canada has relied on skilled immigrants to shape its economy and enrich its communities. Immigrants have always played a vital role in contributing to the nation’s economy, filling job vacancies, supporting local businesses, paying taxes, and above all, making Canada a diverse and influential country.

The impeccable contributions made by immigrants in Canada during the pandemic are unforgettable. Many of them worked on the frontlines, health care, transportation, and manufacturing. Canada has room for many new immigrants to sustain its economy over the next three years. In 2021, 405 000 new permanent residents flocked to Canada, the highest number in a single year in history. With its aging workforce and low birth rates, Canada cannot maintain its workforce without new skilled immigrants.

Despite having many jobs recovered during the pandemic, hundreds and thousands of job vacancies exist across many sectors. All these positions are waiting to be filled by skilled professionals. Immigration in Canada accounts for almost 100% of the labor force, and around 5 million Canadians will retire by the end of 2030. It’s a clear sign that Canada needs more immigrants than ever to compensate for the void created by retirees.

To ensure Canada has a steady flow of skilled workers to fill labor market gaps and support its economy, the new immigration plan will welcome immigrants at a rate of 1% of the Canadian population. The breakdown of the plan is as follows:

• 2022: 431,645 permanent residents
• 2023: 447,055 permanent residents
• 2024: 451,000 permanent residents

The plan will drive economic recovery and tackle labor shortages in the country while recognizing family reunification, streamlining Canada PR visa options, retaining newcomers in small regions, and increasing the pace of refugee resettlement.

Key highlights of the plan:

• Overall admissions amount to 1.14% of the Canadian population by 2024.
• With nearly 60% of admissions, focus on economic growth will qualify under the Economic Class program.
• IRCC will select the immigrants based on their skills, qualifications, and work experience.
• Help for vulnerable populations, like the special measures for granting permanent residence to refugee claimants working in health care during the pandemic.
• Support for global crises through humanitarian immigration.
• Talent retention of those already in Canada by granting permanent status to temporary residents accepted through the time-limited pathways for essential workers launched in 2021.
• A big boost to family reunification via the 12 month standard processing time for spouses and children.

Quick facts about the plan:

• The plan projects the number of immigrants admitted to Canada over the next three years.
• It covers admissions across all immigration categories from skilled, PNP, family reunification, and humanitarian. The immigration minister tables the plan every year.
• The plan also considers an extensive engagement with provincial and territorial representatives, as well as public opinion research and stakeholder consultations
• Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec establishes its immigration levels.

Immigration has undoubtedly taken a crucial role in Canada’s economic prosperity during the pandemic and the declining fertility rate. The government is running a fiscal deficit due to increased spending during the pandemic and weaker economy. Employers are also facing labor shortages, and therefore, need more immigrants to derive their business operations. As Canada needs talent, your chances of becoming permanent residents are quite high depending on how much one’s CRS or PNP score can rise. To know more, you can connect with us on 8595338595 or drop an email at [email protected].