As we approach the end of 2023, it's an opportune moment to take a closer look at the key developments in Canadian Immigration. The fall season and the lead-up to the Christmas holiday period are traditionally bustling times for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canadian immigration system.

1. 2023's Big Canadian Immigration
Updates to Watch For
As we approach the end of 2023, it's an opportune moment to take a closer look at the key
developments in Canadian Immigration. The fall season and the lead-up to the Christmas holiday period
are traditionally bustling times for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the
Canadian immigration system. This year, several noteworthy changes and trends deserve attention.
1. Ministerial Mandate Letter - Guiding Canadian Immigration Policies
A critical aspect of Canadian Immigration is the Ministerial Mandate Letter. Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau may issue a new mandate letter to the Immigration Minister in the coming months. These
letters serve as a roadmap for the government's objectives during the minister's term, significantly
impacting Canada's immigration policies. After a recent cabinet shuffle, Marc Miller took the reins as
Canada's new immigration minister. While there is no obligation for the Prime Minister to issue a new
letter, it can significantly influence the direction of Canadian Immigration.
The previous mandate letter emphasized welcoming newcomers under the Immigration Levels Plan. This
plan aims to reunite families and stimulate Canada's economic growth following the pandemic. Such
ministerial guidance sets the tone for immigration priorities and actions.
2. Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 - Shaping the Future of Canadian
Immigration
In non-election years, IRCC is legally required to release the Immigration Levels Plan by November 1st.
This plan outlines targets for the number of permanent resident admissions, categorizing them into
economic, family, or refugee and humanitarian classes. The 2023-2025 plan, for example, aimed to
admit 500,000 new permanent residents annually, with a specific focus on 301,250 in the economic
class and 114,000 through the Express Entry system. It's currently uncertain whether IRCC will adjust
these targets for the 2024-2026 plan. However, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has indicated that a
reduction is unlikely.
The Canadian Immigration Levels Plan serves as a critical foundation for Canada's immigration system,
setting expectations for future arrivals.
3. Office of the Auditor General Report - Assessing Efficiency in Canadian
Immigration
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) plays a vital role in evaluating the Canadian government's
internal workings. Their assessments identify areas in need of improvement as well as successes. By the
end of the year, OAG is expected to release an audit assessing how efficiently IRCC processes permanent
resident applications. The aim is to ensure that the department aligns with its objectives, which include
supporting Canada's economy, reuniting families, and assisting humanitarian applicants.

2. While this audit won't cover non-permanent resident applications, its findings can lead to improvements
in how Canadian Immigration functions.
4. Express Entry - A Gateway to Canadian Immigration
Express Entry has experienced significant changes in 2023. In May, IRCC introduced six new categories
for category-based selection draws. These changes aim to diversify candidate selection beyond the
comprehensive ranking system (CRS) score. Notably, one category emphasizes strong French-language
abilities, while the others target candidates with work experience in sectors like healthcare, STEM,
trades, transport, and agriculture.
A recent report suggests that IRCC plans to place a significant emphasis on candidates with STEM work
experience. It's estimated that between 28% and 31% of invitations issued through Express Entry in
2023 will go to individuals with STEM backgrounds, such as software developers and data scientists.
Nevertheless, all-program draws, encompassing candidates from various streams, continue to make up
the majority of Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
5. Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) - Strengthening Family Bonds
Through Canadian Immigration
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is an integral part of Canadian Immigration, promoting
family reunification. In 2022, IRCC introduced a lottery system to select sponsors for the program,
aiming to clear a substantial backlog of applications accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current Immigration Levels Plan outlines a target of 28,500 new permanent resident admissions
through the PGP for 2023, with the goal increasing to 36,000 by the end of 2025. In September 2023,
IRCC initiated the process for PGP 2023, sending invitations to apply to 24,200 interested potential
sponsors who had expressed their interest back in 2020.
6. International Students - Vital Contributors to Canadian Immigration
Canada is on track to welcome an impressive 900,000 international students in 2023. To support these
students, IRCC and Global Affairs Canada are conducting a review of Canada's international student
program. This review is expected to provide more details about the Trusted Institutions Framework,
which is a proposed two-tier model for study permit issuance. This framework is designed to strengthen
the integrity of the international student program and expedite processing for eligible institutions.
Moreover, by the end of the year, IRCC is set to reevaluate the policy that allows certain students to
work full-time, a policy that is scheduled to expire on December 31. The outcome of this review will
influence how Canadian Immigration system accommodates international students in the future.
7. Tech Talent Strategy - Attracting Innovation and Skills to Canadian
Immigration
In June 2023, IRCC introduced a Tech Talent Strategy to attract newcomers in tech occupations,
recognizing their importance in driving innovation and economic growth in Canada. This strategy
includes the Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program, allowing Canadian employers

3. to hire foreign workers without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This stream
will issue employer-specific work permits for up to five years to workers with job offers at companies
identified as contributors to Canada's economic goals. Additionally, it will offer open work permits to
workers in select in-demand occupations.
Furthermore, IRCC is committed to making Canada more appealing to digital nomads—foreign nationals
who work remotely for an employer outside of Canada. Currently, digital nomads can stay in Canada for
up to six months without a work permit. More details are expected regarding a dedicated pathway for
these workers, allowing them to transition to a Canadian work permit.
These developments and trends shape the landscape of Canadian Immigration in 2023, with a focus on
guiding principles, targets, and programs that support Canada's continued growth and diversity. Staying
informed about these changes is crucial for anyone interested in the Canadian Immigration process.