IMPACT ANALYSIS EXPRESS ENTRY
Immigration law
18 Dec
The latest
Immigration Levels Plan in Canada has significant implications for foreign
individuals applying for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
According to the Plan, more Express Entry applicants
will be eligible for permanent residency in 2025. These changes are expected to
benefit two main categories of candidates:
>> Applicants
currently residing in Canada
>> Applicants eligible
for draws based on specific categories
In 2024,
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to admit 110,770
people under the “federal high skilled” (FHS) category. This category includes
three programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker
Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). The original
target for 2025 was 117,500, but it has been adjusted.
In 2025, it may
be harder for applicants outside certain priority areas to get an Invitation to
Apply (ITA) through Express Entry. While the federal government has cut its
overall targets for permanent residence by about 20%, the combined target for
the "In-Canada Focus" and "Economic Priorities" categories
in 2025 is 124,680. This target is higher than both the 2024 target and the one
set in last year's Immigration Levels Plan for 2025.
This year, the
IRCC introduced a new "In-Canada Focus" category under the economic
immigration budget for Express Entry programs. So, if you're already living in
Canada, you might have a better shot at getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in
2025. Looks like it’s time to dust off that old résumé and remind Canada that
you’ve been here all along-just waiting for your chance to shine.
In 2025,
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to admit 82,980 people
through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled
Trades Program (FSTP). This makes up about 42% of the total federal economic
immigration target of 197,650.
Candidates
applying from outside Canada for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) may have a lower chance of receiving an
Invitation to Apply (ITA). It's also important to note that the overall
economic immigration target of 232,150 includes 34,500 admissions set aside for
Quebec Skilled Workers and Businesses, as Quebec has its own separate
immigration system and targets.
This year, the plan sets a target of 41,700 permanent
residence admissions under the "Federal Economic Priorities"
category, which is part of the Express Entry programs. According to CIC News,
the IRCC will use the category-based draw method, first introduced in May 2023,
to meet the "Economic Priorities" target.
The IRCC can issue ITAs to Express Entry candidates whose occupations are in demand in the Canadian labor market through these category-based draws. Current categories include:
>> French-language proficiency
>> Healthcare occupations
>> Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations
>> Trade occupations
>> Transport occupations
>> Agriculture and agri-food occupations
In the Levels
Plan, the federal government has singled out trade occupations, healthcare
jobs, and French language skills as key priorities for 2025. So, if you're good
with your hands, have a medical degree, or can speak French, you're in luck.
In 2025,
candidates eligible for category-based draws through the Express
Entry system may have a better chance of receiving an Invitation to
Apply (ITA). To qualify for a category-based draw focused on in-demand
occupations, candidates generally need to have at least six months of work
experience (or the equivalent part-time experience) in an eligible occupation
within the past three years.
The 2025–2027
Immigration Levels Plan lowers permanent resident targets to support long-term
economic growth. In 2025, over 40% of admissions will be people already in
Canada as temporary residents, prioritizing in-Canada candidates. By 2027,
about 62% of all admissions will focus on economic immigration.
The strategy aims
to boost the economy and strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec.
Immigration targets for French speakers are set at 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026,
and 10% in 2027. Over the next three years, the number of temporary residents,
including international students and temporary workers, will be reduced to 5%
of the total population.
Canada has put
several measures in place to reach the 5% target, such as limiting study
permits for international students, changing the Post-Graduation Work Permit
Program (PGWPP), adjusting the temporary foreign worker program, and
restricting work permits for spouses of temporary residents. These actions are
expected to reduce the population by 0.2% in 2025 and 2026, with a growth of
0.8% in 2027.
By the end of
2027, the plan aims to reduce the housing supply gap by around 670,000 units
because, let's face it, Canada's housing market could use a little more room to
breathe. It's also expected to boost GDP per capita, drive strong economic
growth, improve housing affordability, and lower the unemployment rate. So, if
all goes according to plan, by 2027, we'll have more houses, more jobs, and
maybe even more space for that extra pair of shoes you've been wanting to buy…
In conclusion,
by reducing permanent resident targets, prioritizing economic immigration, and
supporting Francophone communities, Canada's
Immigration Levels Plan is designed to promote sustainable growth and
long-term economic development.