Updated on February 2, 2026 by canadian immigration experts
Canada Extends Its Immigration Targets
Canada does not cease to bring good news to all those willing to immigrate to Canada and call Canada its new home. In a recent release, the Canadian government increased its immigration targets for 2019 and 2020 and extended its multi-year immigration levels plan to include 2021.
Overview
So, between 2018 and 2021 Canada plans to accept 1.3 million new permanent residents through various economic, family, refugee and humanitarian immigration categories.
According to the new 2019-2021 plan, the admission targets will grow annually to reach 350,000 in 2021. 2019 targets were increased from 330,000 to 330,800 and 2020 targets rose from 340,000 to 341,000.
Economic Immigration and PNPs
Major role in the immigration programs will be played by the federal Express Entry economic system and Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Nearly a quarter of 1.3. million new permanent residents will be composed of the three economic immigration classes managed by Express Entry program.
When we speak about economic immigration, we mean the three main federal economic immigration categories – the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Provincial Nominee Programs will have a combined target of 255,100 immigrants over the four years. This is almost 19% of the total number of new immigrants.
PNPs allow the provinces to nominate candidates based on their labour market shortages. If a candidate is nominated by a province, this increases their chances of immigrating to Canada significantly.
Canada continues making emphasis on economic migrants, with around 50% of the 1.3 million new permanent residents coming under one of Canada’s Economic Class programs.
Immigration Plans Do Not Include Quebec
At the moment. there are no targets for Quebec immigration. This is because of the new government that came to power in Quebec. IRCC is waiting for consultations with the new government to establish the immigration targets.
Family Immigration in Focus
The new immigration plans also show that the government is committed to contribute to family reunification. IRCC has expanded the range of potential admissions for spouses, partners and children. 2021 target for this category is 70,000.
As far as Parents and Grandparents sponsorship program is concerned, the Canadian government has maintained its targets for 2019 and 2020 (20,500 and 21,000) and has set a target for 2021 at 21,000.
So, we are happy to share that all in all Canadian immigration looks very optimistic. The new program is addressing the challenges faced by Canada nowadays, including the declining birth rate and aging population.
Canadian Immigration Experts
At Jane Katkova & Associates – Canadian Immigration, Global Mobility Experts we are immigration consultants. For help with immigration to Canada please contact us.
