Program directory · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Regional Economic Immigration
- Program code
- BGE02 (CI)
- Core responsibility
- Immigrant and Refugee Selection and Integration
- In Departmental Plans
- 2018-19 – 2026-27 · New since an earlier plan
What it does
In accordance with Canada’s annual Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC facilitates the admission of a targeted number of permanent residents under the regional economic category. Regional economic immigrants are selected by delivery partners including provinces, territories, and communities that have the authority to determine whether a prospective candidate will be able to meet local economic development and labour market needs, and who wish to settle in that specific jurisdiction. IRCC retains the final authority to issue permanent resident documentation to successful applicants.
Source: the department's Program Inventory, via GC InfoBase.
History and lineage
First appears in GC InfoBase's actual spending by program in 2018-19. The data does not record when a program was created; it may be older than its first appearance here, which is limited by the sources (program spending starts in 2010-11, Departmental Plans in 2018-19).
| Program | Relation | Years with data | Actual spending over those years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Economic Immigration | This program | 2018-19 – 2028-29 | $288M |
No earlier or later program in the same department has a similar name.
Significant changes in scope and budget
Detected from the data: renames between plans, programs it appears to replace, merge with or split into (matched by name), year-over-year changes in spending of at least 25% and $5M, or in employees of at least 20% and 25 FTEs, linked budget measures, and results indicators added or dropped.
| Year | What changed | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Employees (FTEs) 373, against 291 in 2020-21 (+28%). | FTEs (GC InfoBase) |
| 2021-22 | Indicators added: Number of regional economic class immigrants admitted to province or territory | Departmental Results Framework (GC InfoBase) |
| 2021-22 | Indicators dropped: Number of provincial economic immigrants admitted to nominating province or territory | Departmental Results Framework (GC InfoBase) |
| 2021-22 | Renamed from “Provincial Economic Immigration” to “Regional Economic Immigration”. | GC InfoBase program names by year |
| 2021-22 | Spending $37.7M, against $27.2M in 2020-21 (+39%). | Actual spending (GC InfoBase) |
| 2022-23 | Employees (FTEs) 547, against 373 in 2021-22 (+47%). | FTEs (GC InfoBase) |
| 2022-23 | Indicators added: Percentage of regional economic immigrants residing outside Canada’s most populous cities, five years after landing | Departmental Results Framework (GC InfoBase) |
| 2022-23 | Indicators dropped: Net direct fiscal benefit of regional economic immigrants | Departmental Results Framework (GC InfoBase) |
| 2022-23 | Spending $54.1M, against $37.7M in 2021-22 (+44%). | Actual spending (GC InfoBase) |
| 2026-27 | Planned employees (FTEs) 486, against 633 in 2025-26 (−23%). | FTEs (GC InfoBase) |
| 2026-27 | Indicators added: Percentage of regional economic principal applicants accessing social assistance, compared to the national average, two years after landing | Departmental Results Framework (GC InfoBase) |
| 2026-27 | Indicators dropped: Incidence of employment for regional economic principal applicants, relative to the Canadian average, five years after landing; Median employment earnings of regional economic principal applicants relative to the Canadian median, five years after landing; Number of regional economic class immigrants admitted to province or territory; Percentage of regional economic immigrants residing outside Canada’s most populous cities, five years after landing; Percentage of regional economic principal applicants with employment earnings at or above the Canadian median, five years after landing | Departmental Results Framework (GC InfoBase) |
| 2027-28 | Planned employees (FTEs) 679, against 486 in 2026-27 (+40%). | FTEs (GC InfoBase) |
| 2027-28 | Planned spending $67.3M, against $49.5M in 2026-27 (+36%). | Latest Departmental Plan |
Success criteria
The program's indicators from its department's Departmental Results Framework: the target set in each year's plan, and the result reported the following year. Source: GC InfoBase.
Historical: targets against results
Percentage of regional economic principal applicants that reside in province or territory of nomination two years after landing
Expected result: Benefits of regional economic immigration are distributed across all regions of the country
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≥ 75% | 2018 | 81.2% Five years after landing, the average retention rate was 81.2%, an increase of 1.5% from the previous year. This positive figure continues to demonstrate that the immigration system is effectively able to select candidates who intend to reside in the nominating province or territory, and that the Provincial Economic Program successfully distributes the benefits of economic immigration across prov… | Met |
| 2019-20 | ≥ 75% | 2019 | 80% Five years after landing, the average retention rate was 80%. This positive figure continues to demonstrate that the immigration system is effectively able to select candidates who intend to reside in the nominating province or territory, and that the Provincial Economic Program successfully distributes the benefits of economic immigration across provinces and territories. | Met |
| 2020-21 | ≥ 75% | 2020 | 77.1% In 2018 (latest available data), the retention of provincial economic principal applicants that reside in province or territory of nomination five years after landing was 77.1%. This positive figure continues to demonstrate that the immigration system is effectively able to select candidates who intend to reside in the nominating province or territory, and that the Provincial Economic Program con… | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≥ 75% | 2021 | 74.5% Five years after landing, the average retention rate was 74.5%. This positive figure continues to demonstrate that the immigration system is effectively able to select candidates who intend to reside in the nominating province or territory, and that the Provincial Economic Program continues to successfully distributes the benefits of economic immigration across provinces and territories. | Not met |
| 2022-23 | ≥ 80% | 2022 | 76.3% Five years after landing, the average retention rate was 76.3%. This figure is a slight increase from the previous year (74.5%). The positive figure continues to show that the immigration system is effectively able to select candidates who intend to reside in the nominating province or territory, and that the Provincial Economic Program continues to successfully distribute the benefits of economi… | Not met |
| 2023-24 | ≥ 80% | 2023 | 71.9% Five years after landing, the average retention rate was 71.9% in 2021. This figure is lower than the previous year (76.3%). Although the result is lower than the 80% target, the 71.9% retention rate demonstrates that the vast majority of newcomers selected via regional economic immigration programs intend to reside in the nominating province or territory. Regional Economic Programs continue to s… | Not met |
| 2024-25 | ≥ 80% | 2024 | 70.1% While the percentage of Regional Economic principal applicants who remain in the province or territory of nomination five years after landing, is below the target, the result has been relatively consistent over time, despite pandemic disruptions and the normalization of remote work. Regional economic immigration programs continue to focus on retention as a key goal. Regional economic programs hav… | Not met |
Incidence of employment for regional economic principal applicants, relative to the Canadian average, five years after landing
Expected result: Regional economic immigrants are employed
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≥ 15% | 2018 | 22.5% Five years after landing, 22.5% more permanent residents in the provincial economic class received earnings (measure of incidence of employment) than the Canadian average. This figure is approximately 2% above the previous year and reflects the ability of the immigration system to select newcomers that have key human capital characteristics (such as education, work experience and language) that a… | Met |
| 2019-20 | ≥ 15% | 2019 | 28% Five years after landing, almost 28% more permanent residents in the provincial economic class were employed than the Canadian average. This figure is approximately 5 percentage points above the previous year and reflects the ability of the immigration system to select newcomers that are able to quickly find employment. This is also as a result of continued improvements in selecting immigrants wh… | Met |
| 2020-21 | ≥ 15% | 2020 | 22% In 2018 (latest available data), 22% more provincial economic immigrants were employed than the Canadian average five years after landing. This figure continues to be attributed to the Provincial Economic Programs' focus on supporting the labour market, and ensuring candidates have the necessary skillset to economically establish. | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≥ 15% | 2021 | 21.2% Five years after landing, 21.2% more regional economic immigrants (principal applicants only) were employed than the Canadian average. This figure continues to be attributed to Regional Economic Programs' focus on supporting the labour market, and ensuring candidates have the necessary skillset to economically establish. | Met |
| 2022-23 | ≥ 15% | 2022 | 22.7% Five years after landing, 22.7% more regional economic immigrants (principal applicants only) were employed than the Canadian average. This figure continues to be attributed to Regional Economic Programs' focus on supporting the labour market, and ensuring candidates have the necessary skillset to economically establish. | Met |
| 2023-24 | ≥ 15% | 2023 | 21.3% Five years after landing, 21.3% more regional economic immigrants (principal applicants only) were employed than the Canadian average in 2023, slightly lower than previous year 22.7%. This figure continues to exceed a target of 15% historically and attributed to Regional Economic Programs' focus on supporting the labour market, and ensuring candidates have the necessary skillset to economically e… | Met |
| 2024-25 | ≥ 15% | 2024 | 21.1% In their first five years after landing, Regional Economic principal applicants continue to outperform the Canadian average in rates of employment. This speaks to the strength of the program design for these programs, and the valuable role that partners play in identifying labour market and other economic needs. | Met |
Median employment earnings of regional economic principal applicants relative to the Canadian median, five years after landing
Expected result: Regional economic immigrants are employed
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≥ 15% | 2018 | 15.1% Five years after landing, the average employment earnings of provincial economic principal applicants relative to the Canadian average is approximately 15.1% higher than the Canadian average. This figure demonstrates the ability of provincial economic immigrants to earn employment income at par with, or above, the Canadian average. This is an important factor in assessing an immigrant's capabilit… | Met |
| 2019-20 | ≥ 15% | 2019 | 16% Five years after landing, the average employment earnings of provincial economic principal applicants relative to the Canadian average is approximately 16% higher than the Canadian average. This figure demonstrates the ability of provincial economic immigrants to earn employment income at par with, or above, the Canadian average. This is an important factor in assessing an immigrant's capability… | Met |
| 2020-21 | ≥ 15% | 2020 | 35.2% In 2018 (latest available data), the median employment earnings of provincial economic immigrants (principal applicants) relative to the Canadian median is approximately 35.2% higher than the Canadian median five years after landing. This figure demonstrates the ability of provincial economic immigrants to earn employment income at par with, or above, the Canadian median. This is another importan… | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≥ 15% | 2021 | 31.9% Five years after landing, the median employment earnings of regional economic immigrants (principal applicants) relative to the Canadian median is approximately 31.9% higher than the Canadian median. This figure demonstrates the ability of provincial economic immigrants to earn employment income at par with, or above, the Canadian average. This is another important factor in assessing an immigran… | Met |
| 2022-23 | ≥ 30% | 2022 | 30.6% Five years after landing, the median employment earnings of regional economic immigrants (principal applicants) relative to the Canadian median is approximately 30.6% higher than the Canadian median. This figure demonstrates the ability of provincial economic immigrants to earn employment income at par with, or above, the Canadian average. This is another important factor in assessing an immigran… | Met |
| 2023-24 | ≥ 30% | 2023 | 32% Five years after landing, the median employment earnings of regional economic immigrants (principal applicants) relative to the Canadian median is 32% higher than the Canadian median in 2021, above previous year 30.6%. This figure demonstrates the ability of regional economic immigrants to earn employment income at par with, or above, the Canadian average. This is another important factor in asse… | Met |
| 2024-25 | ≥ 30% | 2024 | 39.4% The median employment earnings of regional economic principal applicants demonstrates the scale at which this population is outperforming Canadian median, and validates that IRCC and its partners are able to successfully select those who will be able to achieve success across all regions. | Met |
Number of regional economic class immigrants admitted to province or territory
Expected result: Regional economic immigrants arrive in provinces and territories
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 67,800 – 89,500 | 2021 | 59,339 In 2021, Canada admitted 59,339 permanent residents through the Regional Economic Programs. Due to COVID19 prevention measures, including travel restrictions, this figure was below the target range of Canada’s multi-year Immigration Levels Plan. The Plan aims to bring in skilled workers who can contribute to a strong economy. Note: Actual results prior to 2021 did not include data from the Atlant… | Not met |
| 2022-23 | 84,500 – 105,550 | 2022 | 94,478 In 2022, Canada admitted 94,478 permanent residents through the Regional Economic Programs, which is an increase of 59.2% over 2021 admissions. These Regional Economic Programs include the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. This figure not only meets targets goals but also demonstrates that the regional economic immigration p… | Met |
| 2023-24 | 95,650 – 123,850 | 2023 | 115,110 Economic Immigration helps to address labour shortages in critical sectors. 49% (115,110/236,560) of permanent residents admitted under economic immigration programs in 2023, excluding Quebec, were welcomed under regional economic immigration programs, with the highest numbers admitted through the Provincial Nominee Program. | Met |
| 2024-25 | ≥ 120,375 | 2024 | 127,030 The Regional Economic Programs were successful in meeting their target this year, demonstrating the on-going success of the federal government's partnerships with provinces and territories, communities, and other stakeholders in addressing specific labour market and other economic needs. | Met |
Percentage of regional economic immigrants residing outside Canada’s most populous cities, five years after landing
Expected result: Benefits of regional economic immigration are distributed across all regions of the country
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | ≥ 50% | 2022 | 51% In 2020, 51% of regional economic immigrants were residing outside of Canada's most populous cities, five years after landing. This figure not only meets target goals, but also demonstrates that the regional economic immigration programs are continuing to distribute the benefits of economic immigration across all regions of the country. | Met |
| 2023-24 | ≥ 50% | 2023 | 51.2% In 2021, 51.2% of regional economic immigrants were residing outside of Canada's most populous cities five years after landing. This figure not only meets target goals, but also demonstrates that the regional economic immigration programs are continuing to distribute the benefits of economic immigration across all regions of the country. | Met |
| 2024-25 | ≥ 50% | 2024 | 47% While slightly below target, the percentage of Regional Economic principal applicants residing outside Canada's most populous cities, five years after landing, still demonstrate that these programs help distribute the economic benefits of immigration across all regions of the country. In addition to the Provincial Nominee Program, tailored regional economic immigration programs like the Atlantic… | Not met |
Percentage of regional economic principal applicants with employment earnings at or above the Canadian median, five years after landing
Expected result: Regional economic immigrants are employed
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≥ 50% | 2018 | 47.7% Five years after landing, 47.7% of provincial nominee immigrants had employment earnings at or above the Canadian average. Although this is a drop of 3.5% from 2017, this figure continues to demonstrate the ability of provincial economic immigrants to earn employment income on par with, or above, the Canadian average. This is an important factor in assessing an immigrant's capability to integrate… | Not met |
| 2019-20 | ≥ 50% | 2019 | 44% Five years after landing, about 44% of provincial nominee immigrants had employment earnings at or above the Canadian average. This is a drop from almost 48% in 2016 and about 51% in the previous year. While this figure still continues to demonstrate the ability of provincial economic immigrants to earn employment income on par with, or above, the Canadian average, it has been below the target of… | Not met |
| 2020-21 | ≥ 50% | 2020 | 63.1% In 2018 (latest data available) 63.1% of provincial nominees (principal applicants only) reported, five years after landing, that their employment earnings were at or above the Canadian median. This figure demonstrates the ability of provincial economic immigrants to earn employment income at par with, or above, the Canadian median. This is an important factor in assessing an immigrant's capabili… | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≥ 50% | 2021 | 60.9% In 2019 (latest tax data available) 60.9% of regional economic immigrants (principal applicants only) reported, five years after landing, that their employment earnings were at or above the Canadian median. This figure demonstrates the ability of regional economic immigrants to earn employment income at par with, or above, the Canadian average. This is an important factor in assessing an immigran… | Met |
| 2022-23 | ≥ 50% | 2022 | 59.6% In 2020 (latest tax data available) 59.6% of regional economic immigrants (principal applicants only) reported, five years after landing, that their employment earnings were at or above the Canadian median. This figure demonstrates the ability of regional economic immigrants to earn employment income at par with, or above, the Canadian average. This is an important factor in assessing an immigran… | Met |
| 2023-24 | ≥ 50% | 2023 | 60.3% In 2021 (latest tax data available) 60.3% of regional economic immigrants (principal applicants only) reported, five years after landing, that their employment earnings were at or above the Canadian median. This figure demonstrates the ability of regional economic immigrants to earn employment income at par with, or above, the Canadian average. This is an important factor in assessing an immigran… | Met |
| 2024-25 | ≥ 50% | 2024 | 62.9% Regional Economic principal applicants continue to have employment earnings above the Canadian median at a higher rate than Canadians on average. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the Department's partnerships that allow for an effective selection of principal applicants who meet specific labour market and economic development needs. | Met |
Net direct fiscal benefit of regional economic immigrants
Expected result: Benefits of regional economic immigration are distributed across all regions of the country
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | — | 2018 | $5K A target could not be established until a methodology was developed. However, following the development of a methodology in 2018-2019, it was determined that the net direct fiscal contribution that provincial economic immigrants provided to the Canadian fiscal balance was approximately $5,307 per person. This indicator takes into account the amount of federal and provincial taxes immigrants paid… | No result reported |
| 2020-21 | ≥ $5K | 2020 | $5K In the 2016 tax year, the net direct fiscal contribution that provincial economic immigrants provided to the Canadian fiscal balance was approximately $5,307 per person. | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≥ $5K | 2021 | $5K In the 2016 tax year, the net direct fiscal contribution that provincial economic immigrants provided to the Canadian fiscal balance was approximately $5,307 per person. Note: Moving forward, IRCC will no longer report on this indicator. | Met |
Number of provincial economic immigrants admitted to nominating province or territory
Expected result: Provincial nominees arrive in nominating provinces and territories
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 53,000 – 57,400 | 2018 | 62,427 In 2018, a total of 62,427 principal applicants and dependents were admitted to their nominating province or territory under the Provincial Nominee Program. This figure is within the range of Canada’s 2018–2020 multi-year Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to attract more talented workers with the particular skills and expertise required to support provincial economic needs. | Not met |
| 2019-20 | 57,000 – 68,000 | 2019 | 68,647 In 2019, a total of 68,647 principal applicants and dependents were admitted to their nominating province or territory under the Provincial Nominee Program. This figure is slightly above the range of Canada’s 2019–2021 multi-year Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to attract more talented workers with the particular skills and expertise required to support provincial economic needs. | Not met |
| 2020-21 | 65,500 – 74,000 | 2020 | 38,729 In 2020, Canada admitted 38,729 permanent residents through the Provincial Economic Program. Due to COVID-19 prevention measures, including travel restrictions, this figure was below the target range of Canada’s multi-year Immigration Levels Plan. The Plan aims to bring in skilled workers who can contribute to a strong economy. | Not met |
Current: the 2026-27 plan's targets
Percentage of regional economic principal applicants accessing social assistance, compared to the national average, two years after landing
Expected result: Regional economic immigrants achieve economic independence
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | Equal to or under -5.5% | 2026 | — | Planned |
Percentage of regional economic principal applicants that reside in province or territory of nomination two years after landing
Expected result: Benefits of regional economic immigration are distributed across all regions of the country
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | ≥ 80% | 2026 | — | Planned |
Future goals: targets due after 2026-27
No targets with a later due date.
Spending and employees: planned against actual
Spending
Show the numbers
| Fiscal year | Planned | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | $35.2M | $25M |
| 2019-20 | $35.5M | $24.7M |
| 2020-21 | $34.8M | $27.2M |
| 2021-22 | $37.1M | $37.7M |
| 2022-23 | $44.8M | $54.1M |
| 2023-24 | $54M | $61.1M |
| 2024-25 | $60.2M | $58.2M |
| 2025-26 | $60.6M | — |
| 2026-27 | $49.5M | — |
| 2027-28 | $67.3M* | — |
| 2028-29 | $66.3M* | — |
Employees (FTEs)
Show the numbers
| Fiscal year | Planned | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 273 | 295 |
| 2019-20 | 293 | 266 |
| 2020-21 | 286 | 291 |
| 2021-22 | 340 | 373 |
| 2022-23 | 382 | 547 |
| 2023-24 | 525 | 574 |
| 2024-25 | 652 | 565 |
| 2025-26 | 633 | — |
| 2026-27 | 486 | — |
| 2027-28 | 679* | — |
| 2028-29 | 671* | — |
Planned spending, plan by plan
Each row is one year's Departmental Plan and its forecast for the next three fiscal years; read a column down to see how the forecast for one year changed. The last row is what was actually spent. Click an amount for its source. Biggest changes in federal spending plans
| Plan | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | 2026-27 | 2027-28 | 2028-29 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 plan | $35,239,889 | $40,251,347 | $39,923,574 | ||||||||
| 2019-20 plan | $35,492,451 | $35,806,509 | $35,754,537 | ||||||||
| 2020-21 plan | $34,840,306 | $35,091,419 | $40,512,453 | ||||||||
| 2021-22 plan | $37,080,987 | $42,584,909 | $44,862,331 | ||||||||
| 2022-23 plan | $44,791,160 | $43,937,096 | $42,078,071 | ||||||||
| 2023-24 plan | $53,954,342 | $52,546,355 | $52,748,769 | ||||||||
| 2024-25 plan | $60,156,041 | $59,701,550 | $58,820,934 | ||||||||
| 2025-26 plan | $60,639,629 | $51,995,394 | $47,013,327 | ||||||||
| 2026-27 plan | $49,524,732 | $67,345,392 | $66,324,611 | ||||||||
| Actual | $25,049,657 | $24,669,753 | $27,157,001 | $37,682,221 | $54,145,492 | $61,079,993 | $58,234,246 |
Actual spending is from Departmental Results Reports and the Public Accounts, as published in GC InfoBase. FTEs are full-time equivalents.
