Congratulations, Canada!
The country was finally able to achieve their goal of landing 401,000 immigrants this 2021! This is the first time the country has been able to welcome 400,000 immigrants since 1913.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made the announcement in a press release on December 23, alongside the announcement of breaking their all-time record for most permanent resident landings in a single year.
IRCC Achieved 401,000 Landings Through a Technicality
In 2020, Canada hoped to welcome 341,000 new immigrants, a plan that was unfortunately derailed by the COVID pandemic. After only being able to welcome 184,000 immigrants last year, the country instead intended to double-down on their immigration goals.
Knowing immigration was integral to post-pandemic economic recovery, Canada announced their plan to welcome 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021, which they have now achieved.
The IRCC was able to meet their ambitious Immigration Levels target this year by utilizing a technicality.
Technically, a landing occurs either when an immigrant arrives from abroad and officially gains permanent resident status, or when a temporary resident already in Canada has their legal status changed to permanent residence.
Prior to the pandemic, most landings occurred through the former, when an immigrant would arrive from overseas. This year, the IRCC chose to focus on processing residents already within the country to achieve their goal. This was seen primarily in the choice to invite Express Entry candidates in either the Provincial Nominee Program or Canadian Experience Class, as these candidates were less likely to experience COVID-related delays during the landing process to become permanent residents.
New Immigration Goals for 2022
With the success of landing 401,000 new permanent residents this year, the IRCC has been able to fulfill one of their top priorities for 2021. With this, we can look forward to a new mandate letter as the IRCC seeks to broaden their priorities for the next year.
As newly-appointed Immigration Minister Sean Fraser stated:
“Last year, we set an ambitious goal. Today, we achieved it. This is a historic moment for our country, as we welcome the highest number of newcomers in a century. I want to thank all the employees in my department, especially our Operations Sector, who made this possible. Canada is built on immigration, and we will continue to safely welcome the immigrants that Canada needs to succeed. I can’t wait to see the incredible contributions that our 401,000 new neighbours make in communities across the country.”
According to the next phase of the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada’s next ambitious goal is to welcome 411,000 new permanent residents in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023.
According to Minister Fraser, the new Immigraton Levels Plan is set to be released by February 10 of next year, and may set even higher immigration goals for Canada in the coming years.
How to Apply
Canada continues to maintain an open, positive, and multicultural attitude toward immigration. If you’re interested in a post-pandemic future in Canada, and would like to learn more about the various immigration pathways to permanent residency, feel free register for one of our private online discussions. Register to an orientation for free here.
Like and follow our Facebook page or join our LinkedIn community to get the latest updates on immigration news.
