The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled its latest Immigration Levels Plan, which serves as a guiding framework for its operations.
Annually, the IRCC releases the Immigration Levels Plan to provide guidance for both its operations and prospective immigrants on how to navigate the application process.
In 2023, IRCC has set the goal of welcoming over 465,000 newcomers to Canada, while the target for 2024 is to admit approximately 485,000 new permanent residents.
The plan also includes ambitious targets of an additional 500,000 immigrants for both 2025 and 2026.
Regarding sponsorship programs, the spousal, partner, and children program intends to admit 82,000 individuals in 2024 and 84,000 in both 2025 and 2026.
Similarly, the parents and grandparents program aims to receive 32,000 immigrants in 2024 and 34,000 immigrants in both 2025 and 2026.
For the federal high-skilled program and caregivers, the IRCC plans to admit 110,770 immigrants in 2024 and 117,500 in both 2025 and 2026.
IRCC utilizes a scoring system to invite candidates with the highest scores from the pool to apply. Once invited, candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for prospective immigrants:
1. Determine your eligibility for the Express Entry programs by answering a series of questions to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
2. If eligible, submit your profile and get ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
3. Assemble the necessary documents, including passport/travel documents, language test results, proof of Canadian education, proof of funds, police certificates, medical exams, and birth certificates. These documents will be required for your application, so make sure to upload copies of the documents used for your profile.
4. Complete your Express Entry profile with accurate information about yourself. Once you’re in the pool, you’ll receive a CRS score. Keep in mind that being in the pool doesn’t guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
5. Candidates with the highest scores in the pool will receive invitations to apply from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. If you receive an invitation, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.