Canada is known for its multiculturalism to preserve cultural freedom and to promote cultural contributions of diverse ethnic groups. Over the past decade, Canada’s population growth has largely been driven by immigrants.

Every year Canada sets a target for the number of immigrants allowed to enter in each immigration category. Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (also known as IRCC) had planned to welcome more economic immigrants through 2021 to 2023. This level plan recognizes the importance of economic immigration in Canada as newcomers are vital to Canadian businesses and economic growth of the country. 

For the first time in modern Canadian history, the country has welcomed 401,000 immigrants by the end of 2021. Just in the month of September, 45,000 new immigrants had landed. This figure represents mostly high-skilled economic immigrants.

1. On February 13th, 2021, Canada invited 27,332 immigrants to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry).
2. IRCC launched 6 programs that led 84,177 temporary residents to permanent residency.
3. Throughout the year, a total of 252,975 permanent residents landed under the economic programs, 80,990 immigrants arrived under the family class, 60,115 refugees and protected person were welcomed and the remaining 6,920 landed from other programs. 

This was a record breaking in immigration since 1913. In 1913, Canada welcomed 400,870 immigrants to help with clearing lands, building roads and railways, and setting up farms to produce food for the development of the country. This number remained unsurpassed until 2021. 

With the pandemic triggering early retirements amongst the aging population, attracting immigrants has grown more important. Canada has still in its plan to welcome 411,000 immigrants for 2022 and 421,000 immigrants for 2023. 

Although it appears that Canada will not be doing any draws for permanent residency (Express Entry) for at least 6 months, it hopes to meet the immigration level plan as the post-pandemic continues to increase labor shortage. This will give IRCC the chance to reduce its backlog of about 1.8 million applicants waiting for a decision and help many who are in the limbo to land. 

The ongoing need for labor justifies the need of immigrants to fill jobs and to drive economic recovery. The country will refocus its efforts in settling Afghan nationals and allow temporary residents to acquire permanent residency.