In a significant policy shift, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has unveiled plans to integrate temporary resident targets into Canada's annual Immigration Levels Plan from fall 2024. Historically focusing solely on permanent residency quotas, the updated plan will now also consider the influx of temporary residents, aiming to refine and potentially reduce their numbers over the next three years. This move is not designed as a hard cap but could lead to application limitations in specific sectors.
Canada's temporary resident population has surged to 2.5 million, prompting a targeted reduction to better manage population growth and labor market needs. Additionally, changes are planned to facilitate temporary residents' transition to permanent status, including increased domestic selection draws within the Provincial Nominee Program and possibly the Express Entry system.
These adjustments come in response to a pressing need for a balanced, sustainable immigration strategy that supports both newcomers and the existing population amidst challenges like housing shortages and healthcare system pressures. With a goal of welcoming up to 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2026, Canada aims to ensure a successful integration for all, underpinned by a well-managed and needs-based immigration system.
