The Canadian immigration landscape is set for substantial changes in 2024, with the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) spearheading a series of initiatives that will impact newcomers to the country.

1. What Changes Can Be Expected in Canadian Immigration System in 2024?
The Canadian immigration landscape is set for substantial changes in 2024, with the Immigration,
Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) spearheading a series of initiatives that will impact newcomers
to the country.
As outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026, Canada is gearing up to welcome a remarkable
485,000 permanent residents (PRs) in the year 2024. This significant increase in Canadian immigration
levels aligns with Canada's commitment to fostering diversity and addressing the evolving economic and
demographic needs of the nation.
In tandem with this heightened commitment to immigration, Canada is poised to introduce
comprehensive updates across various programs, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance and
streamline the overall client experience.
IRCC Update Express Entry System to Improve Canadian Immigration System
A notable aspect of these changes is the evolution of the Express Entry System. In 2023, the IRCC
initiated category-based Express Entry draws, a strategic move aimed at identifying foreign nationals
best suited to address Canada's most pressing labor gaps and demographic requirements. This
modification underscores Canada's dedication to a more targeted and effective approach in selecting
candidates who can contribute significantly to the country's growth and development.
These updates to the Express Entry System are reflective of Canada's proactive stance in optimizing its
immigration processes to align with the changing needs of the nation. By employing category-based
draws, the country aims to attract individuals with specific skills and expertise, ensuring a more strategic
and tailored immigration approach.
In its inaugural year of implementing category-based draws, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada (IRCC) prioritized specific categories of Canadian immigration candidates, signaling a strategic
approach to address Canada's evolving labor market needs.
The categories prioritized in the initial phase included individuals with proficiency in the French language
and those with recent work experience in five key industries: Healthcare; Science, Engineering,
Technology, and Mathematics (STEM); Trades; Transport; and Agri-Food/Agriculture.
Looking ahead to 2024, the IRCC is anticipated to continue with category-based draws. However, the
department has explicitly stated its intention to reassess the focus categories chosen for 2023. This
assessment will be driven by a commitment to adapting to the changing needs of Canada's dynamic
labor market. Consequently, there is a possibility of new sectors and proficiencies being selected as
areas of focus, potentially broadening the eligibility criteria for newcomers in the upcoming year.
PNPs Projected to Largest Canadian Immigration Pathway in 2024
Another notable development lies in the changes to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) guidelines.
PNPs serve as Canadian immigration pathways that empower local governments to selectively identify

2. candidates who can best contribute to addressing specific labor market gaps. According to the latest
Immigration Levels Plan from IRCC, PNPs are projected to be the largest immigration pathway in 2024 in
terms of targets.
Provinces have recently received a fresh set of guiding principles for PNPs, offering a clearer framework
for candidate selection aligned with regional needs. Furthermore, IRCC is introducing new multi-year
plans for the PNP starting in 2024. This strategic shift will provide provinces and territories with a more
comprehensive understanding of their immigration allocations for 2025 a year in advance. This foresight
enables regional governments to better plan and strategize their immigration initiatives.
Taken together, these advancements in the PNP signify a positive development for prospective
newcomers opting for this Canadian immigration pathway. The clarity provided by the new guiding
principles and multi-year plans empowers individuals to make more informed decisions about
immigrating to their province or territory of choice. The strategic planning by each regional government
contributes to a more transparent and efficient immigration process for those pursuing the Provincial
Nominee Program.
Expanded Opportunities in the Parents and Grandparents Program
Canada has increased the admission spaces for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2024. In
the previous year, the goal was to welcome 28,500 immigrants through the PGP, and this has now
grown to a target of 32,000 in the latest Immigration Levels Plan. The potential for more applicants to
come to Canada is contingent on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) successfully
managing intake and aligning application inputs and outputs.
Strengthening Canada’s International Student Program
To fortify the integrity of the International Student Program, IRCC has introduced reforms, starting with
a revamped Letter of Acceptance (LOA) verification system. As of December 1, Designated Learning
Institutions (DLIs) are mandated to directly confirm each applicant's LOA with IRCC. This enhanced
verification process aims to prevent fraud and ensure that study permits are granted based on genuine
LOAs. Additionally, IRCC is set to review its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program in 2024,
intending to introduce reforms that align with the country’s labor market needs and immigration goals.
Ongoing Improvements to Canadian Immigration
IRCC is committed to a series of changes to enhance the experience of newcomers in the Canadian
immigration process.
1. Increasing the Use of AI and Technology: To attract talent globally, IRCC will intensify the use of
technology and AI in the immigration space in 2024. This digital transformation aims to reduce
processing times, improve tools for IRCC officers, and align with Canada’s immigration and
diversity priorities. It will enhance the client experience through improved service standards,
strengthened partnerships, and user-friendly applications utilizing digital and virtual
technologies.
Note: Part of these changes is detailed in Canada’s Digital Platform Modernization initiative.

3. 2. Introduction of a New IRCC Advisory Board: IRCC will establish a new advisory body focused on
immigration policy and service delivery. This unique board will include individuals with lived
experience in immigration, providing newcomers with a say in programs and processes affecting
them. The goal is to strengthen policy and program development while ensuring a human-
centric approach to Canada’s immigration system.
3. Chief International Talent Officer Role: A new role, the Chief International Talent Officer (CITO),
will be introduced in Canada’s immigration department. The CITO's primary responsibility is to
improve the alignment between the country’s immigration system and its national labor market
and sectoral strategies. This role is expected to bring about significant changes in Canada’s
annual immigration, and prospective immigrants in 2024 and beyond should closely follow
developments once someone is appointed.