IRCC Announces The Plans To Reduce The Temporary Resident Population Over The Next Three Years

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced a significant shift in Canada’s immigration policy, revealing plans to incorporate targets for temporary residents into the annual Immigration Levels Plan starting in fall 2024.

Until now, temporary resident levels, including those under programs such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP), have not been formally considered in the Immigration Levels Plan.

However, Minister Miller clarified that the new targets are not intended as strict caps but rather as guidelines to ensure a more balanced approach to immigration.

“Recently Canada’s temporary resident volume has increased significantly now reaching up to 2.5 million, or 6.2% of our population in 2023,” said Miller. “Therefore, in our level plan, we will be including a target on an adequate volume of temporary residents we can welcome. We are targeting a decrease in our temporary resident population to 5% over the next 3 years.”

In addition to setting targets for temporary residents, the government plans to implement changes to how new permanent residents are selected. This includes increasing domestic draws and encouraging provinces and territories participating in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to prioritize candidates already in Canada as temporary residents.

Miller underscored the importance of temporary residents to Canada’s economy while acknowledging the need for adjustments following a review of immigration programs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With Canada’s labor market rebounding and the economy recovering, the government aims to strike a balance between supporting newcomers and addressing the concerns of the existing population.

Despite criticism over record-high immigration levels, Canada remains committed to welcoming newcomers, with plans to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, increasing to 500,000 in 2025 and 2026.

“We want every new family and resident to be set up for success and be able to access the services they need. Our ultimate goal is to ensure a well-managed, sustainable immigration system based on needs,” said Miller.

However, IRCC has faced scrutiny over issues such as housing affordability and strained healthcare systems, prompting calls for a more measured approach to immigration policy.

As Canada navigates these challenges, the incorporation of temporary resident targets represents a significant step towards achieving a more balanced and sustainable immigration system.

Navneet Kaur