Canada is set to welcome a record number of immigrants in the coming years, with plans to admit 485,000 newcomers in 2024 and increase the numbers to 500,000 by 2025, according to Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. These revelations were made as part of Canada’s immigration targets for 2024-26, aiming to cap the annual immigration levels at 500,000 from 2026 onwards.
India, being Canada’s largest source of immigration and students, is poised to be the major beneficiary of this initiative. A staggering 281,135 newcomers will be welcomed under the economic category, along with 114,000 under the family category. Last year, more than 118,000 Indians obtained Canadian permanent residency (PR), accounting for a quarter of all 437,120 newcomers to Canada.
These ambitious immigration targets are expected to increase Canada’s population by 1.3 percent each year. Despite concerns about housing shortages, the Justin Trudeau-led government remains committed to maintaining high immigration levels.The Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, acknowledged the need to cap immigration levels at 500,000, citing the importance of addressing housing, infrastructure planning, and sustainable population growth. “Through this plan, we are striking the appropriate balance to grow Canada’s economy,” he stated.
Canada’s proactive approach to immigration has already propelled the country’s population past the 40-million mark. The government’s decision to welcome a record 76,115 new refugees in 2024 highlights Canada’s commitment to humanitarian efforts, having admitted more than 46,500 refugees from over 80 countries in the previous year.
