Canadian immigration policies have been undergoing a significant transformation in recent years. The focus of these policies is on critical areas such as economic development, balancing social services and finding solutions to housing problems. The steps taken in 2024 indicate a new direction in immigration strategies and offer important clues for 2025 and beyond.
What Changed in 2024?
Canada re-evaluated its immigration policies implemented during the pandemic and set new targets. The government planned the number of immigrants to be accepted for permanent residence permits for 2024 as approximately 400,000. However, this number is expected to be reduced to 380,000 in 2025 and 370,000 in 2026. These rates reflect Canada's goals of protecting its social infrastructure and balancing its housing supply.
The previous year, it was reported that 25% of applications came from economic categories, while family reunification and humanitarian aid-based applications constituted 30% of the total. It is anticipated that economic categories will receive more priority in 2024.
Economic Programs and New Targets
The 2025-2027 immigration targets aim to close gaps in Canada's labor market and support economic growth. It is planned that 65% of the immigrants to be accepted during this period will be within the scope of economic programs. For example, in 2024, it is aimed to accept nearly 260,000 people in total in categories such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class.
It is stated that more than 40% of the applications made to economic programs come from the technology, health and engineering sectors. While specializations such as artificial intelligence, software development and data analytics stand out in the technology field, professions such as nursing, elderly care and specialist doctors are in great demand in the health sector. In the engineering field, branches such as construction, electrical and mechanical engineering stand out. Special incentives are being offered to meet Canada's growing workforce needs in these sectors.
Housing Issues and Costs of Living
Housing costs continue to be an important factor in shaping immigration policies in Canada. While the average price of a house in the country was recorded as 680,000 Canadian Dollars in 2023, it was observed that rent prices increased by 15-20% in major cities. This situation led to more resources being allocated to affordable housing projects in 2024.
Expanding the scope of social assistance programs to help immigrants cope with the cost of living is also on the agenda. In addition, programs that support the integration of immigrants into local communities continue to increase in 2024.
Increase in Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications
While it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain permanent residence permits, it is observed that interest in humanitarian and compassionate applications (H&C) is increasing. However, such applications may only be a suitable option for people who meet certain criteria. In H&C applications, the applicant's personal conditions, the adequacy of the evidence provided and the detailed preparation of the application are of vital importance.
Factors such as having been in Canada for a long time and the family's adaptation to Canada may not be sufficient for the application to be accepted on their own. During H&C evaluations, the applicant's potential to establish a sustainable life in Canada, current adaptation indicators and the situation of those directly affected by the application are considered together and examined collectively.
Preparing a complete, comprehensive and fact-based application increases the chance of success in H&C applications. It should be noted that these applications should only be made by people who fit this category. It is of great importance that each application is planned in detail and meticulously.
Immigrants planning a future in Canada should closely follow current policies and application processes. It is a great advantage for those who are considering applying in professional categories in particular to have a job offer suitable for their sector. It is stated that the success rate of such applications reached 75% in 2024.
Improving language skills is also of critical importance for immigrants. According to 2023 data in Canada, 85% of immigrants participating in the labor market have advanced English or French skills. It is recommended that immigrant candidates benefit from language courses and professional guidance services.
Canada's immigration policies continue to be an important tool in achieving economic and social goals. 2024 holds both new opportunities and challenges for both current citizens and new immigrant candidates. Adopting a transparent and sustainable approach in this process is of great importance for individuals and the future of Canada.
We will continue to closely follow the immigration rules that will be updated with the policies that will be formed and the changing government and share them with you in 2025...
