Nearly one million new immigrants will settle in Canada between 2018 and 2020, under what Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen has labeled “the most ambitious immigration levels in recent Canadian history.”
Economic migrants will make up the majority of new permanent residents admitted to Canada, with most economic newcomers set to immigrate through the Express Entry immigration selection system. Targets for the economic categories generally as well as Express Entry specifically will increase every year until 2020.
“This historic multi-year immigration levels plan will benefit all Canadians because immigrants will contribute their talents to support our economic growth and innovation, helping to keep our country at the forefront of the global economy,” stated Minister Hussen at a press conference in Toronto.
Under the plan, 310,000 new permanent residents will settle in Canada in 2018. This target will be increased to 330,000 newcomers in 2019, with a further 340,000 to settle in 2020.
Express Entry and PNPs
The increased target intake for Express Entry candidates in 2017 was a contributory factor towards a decrease in points cut-off thresholds this year, as an increased intake places downward pressure on CRS cut-off thresholds. Whereas the lowest score drawn in 2016 was 450, the lowest score drawn so far this year for (FSWC) and (CEC) candidates was 413, with even lower record low thresholds for (FSTC) candidates (most recently a threshold of 241 in a draw which took place just hours before IRCC tabled its multi-year plan).
An even higher target intake for 2018 and beyond may contribute towards even lower CRS cut-off thresholds.
Express Entry target admissions
Another 184,000 or so economic migrants and their accompanying family members will be admitted through the(PNP) programs, which allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals based on their ability to settle into the provincial labour market. As has been the case since 2015, certain PNP programs will be aligned with Express Entry, while other ‘base’ streams will allow provinces to welcome new immigrants from outside the Express Entry pool. An enhanced provincial nomination is the single most valuable factor under the CRS, as it results in 600 additional CRS points and an ITA at a subsequent draw from the pool.
Growing the economy
Among the other economic programs, the Province of Quebec will welcome 94,000 skilled workers and business immigrants over the next three years.
Family reunification and refugee settlement remain important
Around 265000 new immigrants will be welcomed over the course of 3 years through family class program with a small gradual annual decrease.
Family Class target admissions
Building for the future
By 2036, the share of Canada’s population made up of immigrants is projected to reach as high as 30 percent of the overall population.
