Despite disruptions caused by the pandemic, Canada was still able to welcome 174,000 new immigrants in the first 11 months of 2020.
Last November 2020, Canada welcomed 15,300 new immigrants, roughly the same intake levels as the number of immigrants welcomed in October and September. While these have been a marked improvement, these levels are nowhere near the number of immigrants welcomed into the country prior to the pandemic.
Prior to disruptions caused by COVID-19, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had planned to welcome at least 341,000 new immigrants by the end of 2020. Given the strict travel restrictions imposed in order to combat the spread of the virus, the highest number of immigrants welcomed last year only reached 19,000, in the month of June.
These numbers are nowhere near Canada’s pre-pandemic average of 25,000 – 35,000 new residents a month. This is the first time since 1999 that the country’s immigrant intake has fallen below 200,000 new residents.
Despite these numbers and the setbacks caused by the pandemic, Canada still remains committed to welcoming a high number of immigrants. With the release of the Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023, Canada has announced their most ambitious goal yet; to welcome at least 400,000 new immigrants every year for the next three years.
According to the new Levels Plan, sixty percent of new immigrants are set to enter the country through economic immigration pathways, as Canada firmly believes immigration is the key to post-pandemic economic recovery.
The country has already begun enacting their plan, inviting 5,000 candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program and Canadian Experience Class to apply for permanent residency in two succeeding draws last week.
Despite the setback caused by the pandemic, Canada is already looking forward to rebuilding and recovering from the coronavirus, with immigrants and immigration as a major part of that post-pandemic future.
If you’re considering a post-pandemic future in Canada and want to know more about the different pathways to immigrate, register to one of our private online discussions. Register to an orientation for free here.
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