Canada’s Permanent Resident Intake Is Highest Its Been Since Before COVID-19 Pandemic

Canada Welcomes 19,200 Permanent Residents in June

Canada’s immigration levels are officially the highest they’ve been since the COVID-19 pandemic began, as 19,200 new permanent residents were welcomed in the month of June alone.

According to data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada’s June permanent resident (PR) intake has been steadily increasing since early this year. In April, only 4,000 permanent residents were accepted and by May, this number increased to 11,000.

However, it’s important to note that Canada’s permanent resident intake one-year prior was significantly higher, with 34,000 immigrants approved for permanent resident status.

The reason for the dramatic shift is the ongoing travel restrictions in place since March along with other policy changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This includes IRCC application processing being slowed by social distancing measures and permanent residence holders being unable to travel to Canada even if they are permitted to do so. However, just last month Canada began issuing exemptions for certain expired Permanent Resident Visa holders.

Countries With the Highest Number of Permanent Residents

The countries that contributed the most permanent residents in June 2020 are as follows:

This remains consistent as per immigration data from the past few years.

What This Means For The Future

If these rising numbers are any indication, Canada’s immigration system may be finally starting to recover from the pandemic, especially as travel restrictions continue to loosen.

Throughout the pandemic, Canada has remained committed to maintaining immigration and has consistently invited successful immigration candidates to apply for permanent residence.

In fact, bi-weekly Express Entry draws have continued taking place over the past several months, with Canada issuing 3,900 or more invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence every two weeks.

Just last week, two Express Entry draws were held, including Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) candidates. FSWP candidates had been previously excluded from Express Entry draws between the months of March and July, as IRCC wanted to prioritize candidates that were more likely to already be in Canada and would not have to travel.

Allowing Express Entry to include FSWP candidates and continuing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws as well are strong indications that Canada is following through on its pre-pandemic immigration promises.