Canada is losing momentum in keeping up with its immigration count to reach its quota for this year. The number of immigrants plunged in April, but we are still hoping for a positive result by the end of the year. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) information tells that it may not sustain the trend despite a massive start. It is unknown why Canada’s immigration numbers are diminishing. Meanwhile, see the report of the first quarter below:
| JANUARY 2021 | 24,680 |
| FEBRUARY 2021 | 23,395 |
| MARCH 2021 | 21,102 |
| APRIL 2021 | 21,105 |
Canada set its plans to welcome at least 401,000 for this year. The same numbers are allotted for the next two years, having over a million immigrants by the end of 2023. These are the highest of Canada’s immigration numbers in history. It is in line with the government’s goal for economic recovery from the pandemic.
Last year, Canada wanted to welcome 341,000 new immigrants but only admitted 184,000 due to Covid-19 pandemic lapses. Lockdowns, controlled working hours and travel restrictions contribute to these disruptions since March 2020. To top it off, the travel restrictions resulted in the country’s puny immigration digits since 1998. In April 2020, Canada managed only 4,000 newcomers as the weakest month since World War II. And since then, immigration numbers are diminishing.
Canada is no longer on its track to achieve its 401,000 numbers for this year. Nonetheless, few factors still keep the immigrant’s hopes up to come steps closer to gaining permanent residency. The incoming summer months usually draw higher immigration numbers. Warmer weather contributes to these factors, and newcomers arrive before academics resume in September. Another factor is that the government is beginning to ease its travel restrictions.
Recently, Canada is victorious in managing the coronavirus pandemic and is successful in vaccine distribution. This results in the decline of the covid cases. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada said in a media conference that the international border would open in a phased sequence. Travel restrictions will start easing with fully vaccinated travellers. Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Health Minister, also said that Canada could start amending quarantine guidelines for exempted travellers as early as the first week of July. Diminishing restrictions will allow thousands of Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) holders to arrive in Canada finally since most of them were yearning and not knowing what lies ahead from the time border restrictions implemented.
Another factor is that IRCC launches additional immigration streams last April. Acceptance of applications started on May 6 for these programs, which are for international graduates, essential workers and French speakers. Additionally, two new pathways are also launched for Hong Kong residents to acquire permanent residency. With the current programs, Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) leads with the number of invitations issued.
IRCC says that applicants for permanent residency within Canada are less likely to face pandemic-related disruptions. Moreover, the concentration on local immigration applicants should effectively increase the number of candidates who acquire permanent residence. Even so, if IRCC is able to achieve its goal of landing foreign applicants by the end of the year, it will at least exceed about 300,000 immigration numbers brink in 2021.
Let us avoid diminishing the immigration numbers. Loft Immigration Services Inc will help you with further information in applying for a Canadian Permanent Residency status. Please contact us via telephone at +1 (416) 492-1222 or visit our website at www.loftimmigration.com. Follow and like us on Facebook and Instagram –Loft Immigration Services Inc – Licensed.
