Canada’s immigration system
Canada’s immigration system helps build a stronger country by attracting immigrants who complement Canada’s workforce and contribute to the economy. It also reunites families and helps vulnerable groups of people.
Our mandate and mission guide us to build a stronger Canada by:
- developing programs, policies and services that maximize the contributions of immigrants
- protect the health, safety and security of Canadians
Building a strong future through sustainable immigration
We plan immigration levels each year to reflect Canada’s evolving needs, focusing on filling labour gaps, strengthening key sectors, and supporting communities. We set targets for the number of international students and workers coming to Canada, as well as the number of people admitted as permanent residents, including many who are already here.
Canada’s immigration levels plan
Tabled each year, a forward-looking snapshot of immigration targets for the next 3 years. See how we are focusing immigration on where it delivers the greatest impact.
Providing quality service and updates on our progress
While striving to provide high-quality service, we also share information to help Canadians understand our progress toward immigration targets and how we manage application inventories.
How we serve our clients
Service standards, processing times, and service commitments
Measuring the impact of our work
Key numbers on immigration
Get the stats for student and worker arrivals, new permanent residents, asylum claimants and how many applications we process
How immigration supports specific Canadian employment sectors
Find out which sectors and local economies benefit from immigration
Managing a safe, fair and trusted immigration system
Together with other departments and agencies, we use acts and regulations, policies, and agreements to manage Canada’s immigration system and process the applications we receive.
Our refugee and asylum systems
Canada's refugee and asylum systems respond to humanitarian needs and global crises, so they operate differently from most immigration categories. Canada has a legal responsibility to assess every asylum claim it receives. As a result, the Immigration Levels Plan does not set targets for asylum admissions.
Reflecting and upholding core Canadian values
A responsible and inclusive immigration system in Canada is built on our core Canadian values of equality, respect, and fairness.
Features
Explore immigration programs
Discover the temporary and permanent immigration programs that create a pathway to Canadian citizenship.