Canada Extends its Immigration Targets for 2021

Canada extends its immigration targets for 2021. A significant role to be played by Express Entry, PNPs

Canada, one of the friendliest nations across the world, has extended the plans to welcome more than 1.3 million immigrants between 2018 and 2021. The new admission targets for 2019 and 2020 have gradually been increased to 330,800 and 341,000. For 2021, the target has been fixed at 350,000.

The plans became known when Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s 2017 report presented in the parliament was made public. According to Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, “Under this plan, Canada will welcome more talented workers with the skills and expertise our economy needs, reunite more family members and accommodate more refugees looking to start new lives”.

The Express Entry system, which handles the pool of candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, and the Canadian Experience Class will continue to play a critical role. Based on their annual targets, 331.000 permanent residents are projected to come through their system.

On the other hand, Provincial Nominee Programs, PNPs, which allow the participating Canadian provinces and territories to nominate few immigration candidates for permanent residency every year, have a combined target of 255,100 over the course of four years.

The majority of newcomers entering Canada between 2018 and 2012 will solely be guided by Economic immigration programs. 60 percent of the 1.3 million new permanent residents will arrive through Canada's Economic Class Programs. The federal government's commitment to reunite families is reflected in their immigration policies. Sponsorship for spouses, partners, and children category will also see an expansion for 2021 by 70,000. The target for potential admissions through Parents and Grandparents sponsorship program in 2021 is set at 21,000.

Other programs, which will help Canada, achieve its immigration targets are Atlantic Immigration Pilot and Economic Immigration Programs administered by the province of Quebec.

“In a world that seems to be closing its doors to immigrants, this plan reminds us that Canada remains a welcoming beacon of hope,” said David Cohen, senior partner with the Campbell Cohen Canadian immigration law firm in Montreal.