Canada welcomed 401,000 permanent residents in 2021, topping a record set in 1913 when 400,000 immigrants were granted the right to live in the country. Permanent residents can apply for social benefits in the country but cannot vote in federal elections. Canada set a goal of welcoming 341,000 new immigrants in 2020, but due to the pandemic, only 184,000 newcomers were admitted last year. Canada changed its newcomer strategy to invite temporary workers already in Canada to become permanent residents, instead of foreigners living abroad. Most of the newcomers were invited as Canada Experience Class (CEC) Permanent Resident program applicants as they were already in Canada given Covid there has been no federal Express Entry invites since last December.
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Minister Sean Fraser said in a statement,
“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 one year in our history.”
1 in 3 Canadian businesses is owned by an immigrant, and 1 in 4 of the newcomers work in health care, said Fraser. Immigration to Canada counts for 100% of its labour force growth, and by 2036, newcomers will account for 30% of the Canadian population of just over 38 million, said Fraser. The report released on December 23 did not break down immigrants by specific countries, but newcomers arrived in Canada from countries including China, Nigeria, Iran, Turkey and the U.S.
Fraser also said the majority of the newcomers were already in Canada on temporary status, and that while many countries are "closing their doors to refugees," Canada put out the welcome mat to immigrants.
Immigrants In Canada Health Care
Immigrants are in key health-related jobs in Canada, making up
- 37% of pharmacists
- 36% of doctors
- 39% of dentists
- 23% of registered nurses 35% of nursing aides and other health occupations
Canada's New 2022 Immigration Mandates
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issues a new immigration mandates letter to his cabinet on December 16. Some of the key immigration priorities include:
- Reduce application processing time
- Create more Express Entry permanent residence pathways for international students and temporary foreign workers
- Introduce electronic applications for family reunification and a program to provide temporary residence to spouses and children abroad while they await the processing of their permanent residence applications
- Create a new Municipal Nominee Program
- Waive Canadian citizenship application fees
- Establish a Trusted Employer system
What's Your Canadian Dream?
2022 is the year to make your Canadian Dream come true! Canada's multi-year immigration plan has a goal to admit nearly 1.2 million immigrants by 2023 and welcome 411,000 newcomers in 2022.
An experienced immigration lawyer can save you time and stress - and prevent costly mistakes and missed deadlines. With 50+ years of immigration experience, our immigration legal team can identify and resolve potential problems BEFORE they happen. Contact Ackah Law today to discuss your situation at 403-452‑9515.
