Immigration in Canada in 2016 – The most immigrants it has since the 1910s

Following Immigration Minister John McCallum’s speech on March 8, 2016 at the Brampton Multicultural Community Centre, many were left wondering about the direction presented for this year. While Minister McCallum was quoted saying that this is a “significant shift” in policy, it remains to be seen when these changes will be implemented, and of the efficacy of government officials in implementing the same in order to achieve the 2016 targets.

Speaking strictly from a numbers point of view, Canada will overall accept the most immigrants it has since the 1910s, with a target of 280,000 to 305,000 permanent residents by the end of 2016. While it may be the highest levels in over 100 years, it only surpasses the 2015 targets by a mere 7.4%. However, within this overall target, a clearer picture begins to emerge as to which categories are gaining importance, which will likely dictate changes in processing times as well as potentially application mechanisms.

The main sub-category, economic immigration, will account for approximately 160,000 newcomers. This figure represents only 52%-57% percent of the 2016 target, while in 2015, economic immigration accounted for 70% of the total number of newcomers.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at  A look at Canada’s proposed 2016 immigration quotas | Dale & Lessmann LLP | Canadian Legal Counsel