Canadian immigration in 2023 is likely to flourish with several changes and developments. According to the latest census, around 23 percent of immigrants now contribute to the Canadian population. Interestingly, this percentage of immigrants is the highest over a hundred years.
With 2023 emerging shortly, the Canadian government is committed to welcoming an increasing number of immigrants. Overall, Canada believes that immigration is set to support its economy significantly. Furthermore, it will help the country regain its social strength while continually working toward bringing families together. The government also seeks to support other populations undergoing grave situations through Humanitarian aid.
For 2023, let’s get a complete view of the year with the upcoming changes and new developments.
Canadian immigration in 2023- Enhancing client experience
Onward September 2022, IRCC has prioritized clearing the immigration backlog consistently. According to official reports, IRCC reduced the backlog by 400,000.
Additionally, the department also successfully managed to receive funding worth $85 million to reduce the immigration application backlog. Moreover, from March 2019 to November 2022, the front-line operations staff increased by an additional 2,521 workers. Per the expectations, these factors will more likely have a positive influence on the service standards of IRCC and application backlog in the upcoming year, 2023.
Canadian immigration level plans in 2023
Canada managed to set higher immigration levels and targets with the immigration levels plan for 2023. Hence, it is quite evident that IRCC is positive about handling the immigration backlog, along with receiving a higher number of new immigrants.
The immigration levels plan for 2023 has set its targets for each immigration category, with a total of 465,000. The classification is as follows:
- Provincial Nominee Programs- 105,500
- Express Entry- 82,880
- Spouse/Partner/Children- 78,000
- Parents and Grandparents- 28,500
Four major immigration pathways- an overview
The four significant immigration pathways in 2023 include the following-
Provincial Nominee Programs
With the Canadian labor shortages becoming so prominent, it is more likely that Provincial Nominee Programs will soon take over Express Entry’s popularity as an immigration pathway in 2023. Per the official data, Canada is all set to welcome an additional 23,000 PNP newcomers compared to Express Entry candidates.
Express Entry
Canada is in ardent need of addressing and combating its ongoing challenges related to labor market requirements and gaps. Therefore, IRCC is ready to bring forth Express Entry targeted draws in the upcoming year. Furthermore, the department will now issue invitations to candidates based on their specific skills, occupation, and education. This also indicates that the significance of the Comprehensive Ranking System in the selection of candidates will diminish for sure.
Parents and Grandparents
Canada’s main focus in 2023 will be on family reunification. Apart from this, Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program is visibly becoming more imminent. PGP, along with other valuable immigration routes, will be welcoming at least 28,000 new immigrants in 2023.
However, please note that there is no official information available regarding the selection procedure the department will undertake in 2023.
International students in the upcoming year, 2023
In October, IRCC modified the policy of off-campus working hours for Canada’s international students. According to the policy change, international students in Canada with the authority to work off-campus per the study permit will have the authority to work more than twenty hours a week during an active class session. The policy change remains effective from November 15, 2022, until 2023.
Additionally, this change will help Canada fight the historic labor shortage and a relatively lower unemployment rate. Moreover, this change will enable half a million international students to work off-campus during their active class sessions until next year.
Impact of all the new developments on Canadian immigration in 2023
Immigration is a crucial factor influencing the Canadian population and its workforce, and this trend will likely continue in 2023.
Moreover, the steady immigration levels bringing in more immigrants to Canada through PNPs and Express Entry targeted draws will help reduce the labor shortage. With these new developments, Canada will witness economic growth naturally through immigration. More skilled workers coming to the country, specifically those in high in-demand occupations, will result in immense economic prosperity.
Additionally, taking measures like making the working hours more flexible for international students will entice more international students to Canada. Consequently, students will further remain in the country for higher studies and work opportunities. Furthermore, an increasing number of foreign students will contribute to the Canadian economy and labor market.
Overall, Canada can expect to flourish a great deal in terms of economy and increased workforce, with more skilled immigrants moving to Canada. However, it will be better for Canadians to conduct a detailed analysis of the economy and labor market to understand the true material impact of immigration on Canada over the next year.
