However, according to IANS, the country aims to increase immigration levels to 500,000 by 2025, said Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
India, as the largest source of immigrants and students to Canada, will be a major beneficiary of these immigration targets. A record 281,135 newcomers will be admitted under the economic category and 114,000 under the family category. Last year, more than 118,000 Indians became Canadian permanent residents, representing a quarter of the total of 437,120 newcomers to Canada.
These new immigration targets will contribute to Canada’s annual population growth of 1.3%. High levels of immigration have already contributed to the country’s population exceeding 40 million, despite a housing shortage.
The decision to maintain high levels of immigration has been maintained by the Justin Trudeau-led government, even in the face of opposition due to housing shortages. Miller said: “Canada will continue to welcome newcomers and ensure they are supported in their new lives. However, he acknowledged that immigration levels will be capped at 500,000 to take into account housing, infrastructure planning and sustainable population growth.
Canada plans to welcome a record 76,115 new refugees in 2024. The country processed more than 5.2 million applications for permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship from people around the world last year.
