Canada welcomed the largest number of newcomers in its history
On January 3, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that Canada reached its 2022 target: 431,645 new permanent residents. “This represents the largest number of people ever welcomed in a year, in Canadian history” said IRCC in a news release.
Every year, Canada sets targets for the number of immigrants they allow into the country. In 2021, Canada welcomed 401,000 new permanent residents. This surpassed the previous record from 1913. In 2022, the target was higher: 431,645 immigrants. That year, IRCC processed approximately 5.2 million applications for permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship. This is double the number of applications processed in 2021.
“Today marks an important milestone for Canada, setting a new record for newcomers welcomed in a single year. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our country and its people. Newcomers play an essential role in filling labour shortages, bringing new perspectives and talents to our communities, and enriching our society as a whole. I am excited to see what the future holds and look forward to another historic year in 2023 as we continue to welcome newcomers.”
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Improvements to Canada’s immigration system
To achieve this historic target, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) added resources, embraced new technology, and brought more processes online. For an in-depth review of these changes, please visit the following articles:
- New Improvements to the Immigration System 2022
- The permanent residence programs that are transitioning to 100% online applications
Also, be aware that Canada has a strong economic need for increased immigration. Therefore, this 2023, Canada plans to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents.
Why is Canada increasing its immigration targets?
Here are a few reasons why:
- Immigration accounts for almost 100% of Canada’s labour force growth and nearly 80% of our population growth. Roughly 75% of Canada’s population growth comes from immigration, mostly in the economic category. Statistics Canada projects that in 2041, the proportion of immigrants in the Canadian population could reach from 29.1% to 34.0%.
- Canada regained many of the jobs lost during the pandemic, but there remain almost 960,000 unfilled positions across all sectors.
- Immigration addresses labour shortages in key sectors such as health care: 37% of pharmacists, 36% of physicians, 39% of dentists, 23% of registered nurses, and 35% of nurse aides and related occupations.
Are you eligible for Canadian Immigration in 2023?
You can explore the factors that Canada takes into account when selecting new immigrants, here. You could also explore all the immigration options in Canada in the following article:
In addition, you could fill out our free assessment form and a member of our team will review the information. If we find an opportunity for you we will contact you in 5 to 10 days. Otherwise, we will keep you on file for future opportunities.
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If you have a broad question about immigration to Canada, please fill out the following form. However, if you have specific questions, book a consultation session with Al Parsai. You may alternatively fill out our assessment form. Also, to receive updates on immigration news subscribe to our newsletter.
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