Canada’s immigration landscape witnessed a remarkable surge in January, setting a record for the number of new permanent residents welcomed into the country. According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), immigration soared by 43.4 percent compared to the previous year, with 50,885 individuals granted permanent residency during the first month of 2023.
This significant increase reflects a robust start to the year, surpassing the arrival of 35,450 newcomers in January of the preceding year and more than doubling the figure from December 2022.
Historically, January has consistently seen a rise in immigration figures, barring the exceptional circumstances of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted stringent travel restrictions and public health measures. Since 2015, the influx of permanent residents to Canada during January has steadily escalated, nearly quadrupling over eight years.
Immigration Levels Plan
The surge in immigration aligns with the ambitious targets outlined in the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan by the Canadian government. To welcome 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023 alone, the plan sets forth a trajectory that anticipates 485,000 arrivals in 2024 and a further 500,000 in 2025, culminating in 1.45 million new permanent residents over the next three years.
Ontario emerged as the destination for new permanent residents in 2022, attracting 184,725 individuals, representing over 42 percent of the total newcomers to Canada that year. Economic programs such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and various provincial nominee programs were pivotal in driving immigration to Ontario, alongside family sponsorships and refugee programs.
Meanwhile, Quebec claimed the second-highest number of immigrants in 2022, with 68,685 individuals settling in the province. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces also experienced significant growth in immigration, bolstered by various immigration programs and initiatives.
The surge in immigration shows Canada’s enduring appeal as a destination of choice for individuals seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of global migration trends, the steady influx of new permanent residents contributes to its cultural diversity, economic vitality, and social fabric.
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