Canada has consistently been a top choice for migrants over the last twenty years, and it's easy to see why Canadians are so welcoming.
Canada offers a strong economy, abundant educational opportunities, a high demand for skilled professionals, and multiple pathways to legal immigration.
Perhaps most importantly, Canada embraces diversity, and the cultural exchange available in its major cities is truly remarkable.
When you combine these factors with a high quality of life, it’s no wonder that Canada is an ideal destination.
In this article, we will look at Canadian immigration statistics from previous years.
This will help you understand what to expect if you want to start your legal immigration journey to Canada with your family.
How Immigration Shapes Canada
Canada is known for its friendly immigration policies.
These policies help solve demographic issues, fill job gaps, and boost economic growth.
Temporary residents, such as visitors, international students, and temporary workers, are essential for improving the country's social and economic situation, especially during post-pandemic recovery.
The Canadian government confirms it will work closely with provinces and territories to improve Canada's immigration system.
Here are some facts about how immigration is shaping Canada:
Canada's Demographic
- As Canada faces an aging population—forecasted to see about 5 million retirees between 2024 and 2030—the number of workers for every retiree is expected to drop to 3 to 1.
- In 2022, the fertility rate was low at 1.33 children per woman. To address labor shortages and attract necessary skills, immigration has become an important strategy.
Canada's Economic Growth
- In 2023, Canada welcomed 471,808 newcomers, with 58% admitted through economic pathways.
- Immigrants now make up 28.9% of the labor force, playing a key role in sectors such as professional services and information technology.
- Immigrant entrepreneurship significantly boosts economic growth. There are over 800,000 immigrants who are self-employed, including about 250,000 who run their own businesses.
- Canada is one of the best countries for startup founders seeking investment. It offers a permanent residence program specifically for startup visas.
Immigration Statistics for Temporary Resident Programs in Canada
Canada recognizes that temporary residents help make their communities more diverse and strong.
However, the country believes that by limiting the number of temporary immigrants, it can better meet its needs and offer a more supportive experience for them.
International students
- In 2023, 682,889 study permit holders entered Canada, including 319,991 females and 362,824 males.
- The transition from study permits to permanent residency is increasing, with 25,605 permits granted permanent residency in 2023—a 30% rise from 2022.
However, be aware that new rules are in place:
- Starting December 2023, post-secondary designated learning institutions must verify the authenticity of letters of acceptance using a secure portal.
- Beginning January 1, 2024, study permit applicants must meet updated financial requirements that reflect the current cost of living.
- The IRCC has also placed a cap on international student permits. In 2024, the cap aims for net-zero growth and is expected to result in about 360,000 approved study permits. This represents a 35% reduction compared to 2023.
Temporary Foreign Workers
- In 2023, Canada handed out work permits to 184,008 people through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
- On top of that, the International Mobility Program saw 765,262 people get work permits.
- Overall, that’s 341,877 more new permits compared to 2022.
- A significant number of temporary work permit holders are moving up to permanent residency because of their skills and contributions to Canada’s economy.
- In 2023, the government granted permanent residency to 156,580 of these permit holders, reflecting a remarkable 49% increase from the previous year.
Immigration Statistics for Permanent Immigration in Canada
In 2023, Canada proudly welcomed 471,808 new immigrants from different immigration programs and family reunification, reflecting a significant 7.8% increase from 2022.
Immigration programs
- In 2023, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) welcomed 108,619 individuals and their families, an increase from 88,257 in 2022.
- The processing time for PNP notably improved, dropping to 8 months from the previous 16 months.
- The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) successfully admitted 3,636 principal applicants this year, with a processing time of just 6 months.
- The Start-up Visa Program brought in 1,468 entrepreneurs, although it comes with a longer processing wait of 37 months.
- The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) provided opportunities for 103 skilled refugees.
- The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot also had a successful year, selecting 2,855 individuals, with processing taking about 7 months.
- In total, Express Entry admitted 120,822 principal applicants and their families in 2023.
Family Reunification
- Canada has rolled out some new family reunification measures, including faster processing for spousal temporary resident visas and new open work permits for family class applicants.
- In 2023, they welcomed 109,730 newcomers, which is a 12.7% jump from 2022.
- Out of those, 81,417 spouses, partners, and kids became permanent residents, up from 70,076 the year before.
- The wait time for spousal permanent resident applications (not including Quebec) dropped to 15 months from 18 months in 2022.
- Plus, 28,313 people were admitted under the parent and grandparent sponsorship category, seeing a 4% increase compared to last year.
In Summary
Canadian immigration pathways are improving, not just in processing times, but also in the number of applicants accepted across various programs.
There's been a noticeable increase between 2023 and 2024.
However, like any immigration system, your chances of obtaining a visa depend on meeting the specific requirements of each program, as well as your qualifications and a well-organized application.
If you find the paperwork overwhelming and want to achieve the best possible outcome, consider partnering with Parsam Immigration for extensive consultation and assistance with your visa application.
