A Look at the Latest Pathways and Changes for Canadian Permanent Residency in 2024
Changes to Canadian Permanent Residency in 2024
In this article, we will review the latest programs and changes to Canadian permanent residency in 2024. In previous issues, we discussed some federal and provincial methods. This time, we will focus on new programs, special pathways for French speakers, job opportunities in law enforcement in Alberta, federal priorities, emphasis on in-Canada applicants, changes to the PEQ program for Quebec students (especially graduates), and the transformation of the British Columbia entrepreneurship pilot into a permanent stream. (In this article, we will not discuss the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.)
Read more: Express Entry and British Columbia Provincial Program
Law Enforcement Immigration Pathway in Alberta (Alberta Law Enforcement Pathway)
Starting June 25, 2024, Alberta will introduce a specific pathway for individuals working in law enforcement. This program is designed for those employed in one of Alberta’s approved police agencies or those with a job offer.
Main Requirements:
- Having a job offer from an employer who is a member of the “Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP)”.
- The job must be in law enforcement, public safety services, police investigations, or other security-related occupations.
- The applicant must meet all the Express Entry requirements.
In-Canada Focus Category
According to the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will dedicate a significant number of permanent residency slots to individuals already living in Canada (such as students or temporary workers). This decision reflects the government’s priority to support those who are already integrated into Canadian society.
Main Requirements:
- Includes Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and some regional pathways.
- Eligibility to enter through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
- The applicant must have valid temporary status in Canada at the time of the draw and meet the Express Entry profile criteria.
Changes to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) Graduates Stream
Although this section pertains to Quebec, it’s important to note that in 2024, changes to the PEQ program were introduced, including the requirement to complete 75% of coursework in French. Additionally, the issuance of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQ) for graduates will be more restricted starting in 2025. This stream will be suspended until June 30, 2025.
Main Requirements (when active):
- 75% of courses or credits completed in French.
- This stream is temporarily inactive and will be paused until June 2025.
Federal Economic Priorities in Express Entry
Under the Immigration Levels Plan, Canada is focusing on key occupational sectors and labor market needs. It is expected that individuals with skills in health, trades, and those with advanced French language proficiency will have a higher chance of receiving invitations in 2025.
Main Requirements:
- Must have a valid Express Entry profile.
- Employment or skills in prioritized sectors (health, trades, French language).
Read more: Dentists Immigration to Canada
British Columbia’s Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream
Another notable change to Canada’s permanent residency in 2024 is the transition of British Columbia’s regional entrepreneur immigration program from a pilot to a permanent stream. This pathway is suitable for entrepreneurs who want to establish a new business in select communities in the province and settle permanently.
Main Requirements:
- Launching a new business in line with community priorities.
- Relevant work or managerial experience.
- Personal net worth of over 300,000 CAD.
- Minimum 100,000 CAD personal investment in the business.
- Creating at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Language proficiency at CLB 4 or higher.
- Having or being eligible for legal status in Canada.
- Legal entry into the country where you currently reside.
| Pathway | Who is it for? | Summary of Key Changes | Start Date |
| Alberta Law Enforcement Pathway | Individuals in law enforcement with a job offer in Alberta. | New pathway | June 25, 2024 |
| Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program | Skilled workers aiming to settle in Quebec. | Replaced the regular Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Suspended until June 30, 2025. | ITA issuance from June 30, 2025 |
| In-Canada Focus Category | Express Entry applicants with temporary status in Canada. | New category | October 24, 2024 |
| PEQ Graduates Stream | International students graduating from approved Quebec institutions. | French language requirement added. Suspended until June 30, 2025. | October 31, 2024 |
| Federal Economic Priorities (Express Entry) | Express Entry applicants. | Focus on health, trades, and French language sectors. | Details to be announced later |
| BC’s Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot | Eligible newcomers intending to start a business and settle in British Columbia. | Program made permanent, now called the “Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Stream.” | June 21, 2024 |
Click here to start your immigration journey.
Conclusion:
In this article, we reviewed the Canadian permanent residency changes for 2024. With the introduction of new pathways and adjustments to existing ones, more flexibility is available for applicants. From special opportunities for French speakers and law enforcement professionals in Alberta to prioritizing those already in Canada, these changes highlight Canada’s dynamic immigration approach. Additionally, the permanent establishment of the regional entrepreneurship stream in British Columbia offers an attractive option for those looking to start a new business in Canada.
In future issues, we will explore the Startup Visa program, one of the innovative and popular pathways for launching creative businesses in Canada. This pathway can be an exciting step for those looking to transition from temporary to permanent residency in Canada. Stay tuned and follow us on Instagram!
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