This marks an increase of 33,950 compared to the previous year, where 437,600 new permanent residents were admitted.
This marks an increase of 33,950 compared to the previous year, where 437,600 new permanent residents were admitted.
Canada has exceeded its target for welcoming new permanent residents in 2023, according to recent data released by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The latest figures from IRCC revealed that a total of 471,550 new permanent residents were welcomed in Canada in 2023, the CIC News reported. This marks an increase of 33,950 compared to the previous year, where 437,600 new permanent residents were admitted.
The number of new permanent residents admitted in 2023 surpassed the target set in the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-25, which aimed to welcome 465,000 permanent residents during the year.
These individuals were selected through various immigration programs, including Express Entry programs, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), as well as their spouses, partners, and children.
The IRCC also disclosed data on the finalization of temporary residence applications, including work permits and study permits.
In 2023, the department finalized 1,646,300 work permit applications, representing an increase of 503,330 compared to 2022.
Additionally, 1,089,600 study permits were finalized in 2023, showing a notable year-over-year increase of 171,700.
The IRCC also reported that 293,000 newcomers obtained Canadian citizenship between April 1 and December 31, 2023, reflecting a rise of 13,900 compared to the same period in 2022.
Immigration Levels Plan
The data highlighted Canada’s commitment to its Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to welcome a targeted number of permanent residents each year.
With the successful admission of new permanent residents in 2023, IRCC is on track to achieve its target of admitting 485,000 permanent residents in 2024.
Looking ahead, the department plans to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents in both 2025 and 2026.
Study permit caps and IRCC’s backlog
The IRCC recently announced a cap on the issuance of study permits for the year 2024, limiting the number to 360,000.
Additionally, the department published ministerial instructions to restrict the processing of study permit applications to 606,250.
As of Dec. 31, 2023, IRCC reported a total of 2,221,100 applications in its inventory, with 949,500 classified as backlogged.
Among these, 702,000 were permanent residence applications, with a backlog of 308,900. IRCC emphasized its commitment to processing 80 percent of immigration applications within designated service standards, which vary depending on the type of application.
The IRCC also noted several measures implemented to address the backlog, including the prioritization of processing work permit applications for essential workers in healthcare and agriculture sectors.
Initiatives such as Canada’s tech talent strategy aim to expedite the processing of applications for foreign workers in high-demand tech occupations.
It also introduced an online portal for certain permanent residence applications and online application status trackers to expedite processing times.
The IRCC has also launched an online process for citizenship applications, allowing applicants to complete citizenship tests and participate in virtual citizenship ceremonies.
Int’l student applications decline
Recent shifts in Canadian immigration policy have resulted in a notable decrease in applications from international students to Canadian colleges and universities, as reported by Erudera.
The decline has prompted Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada, representing 234 tertiary institutions, to urge Immigration Minister Marc Miller to reconsider the implementation of the plan.
The organizations, in a letter to Miller, cited the potential risks to Canada’s global reputation as a premier study destination.
They highlighted the far-reaching consequences that the proposed cap could have, affecting both international and domestic students.
“Our foremost concern is the moratorium on processing new international student study permits, especially for college and undergraduate students,” the joint letter stated.
Last month, IRCC announced the imposition of a cap on international student permit applications for the next two years.
The government aims to issue 360,000 study permits this year, marking a significant 35 percent reduction from previous years.
IRCC cited mounting pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services due to the increasing influx of international students as a primary reason for the policy change.
Additionally, the government says it aims to protect international students from exploitation while supporting sustainable population growth in the country.
“Some institutions have significantly increased their intakes to drive revenues, and more students have been arriving in Canada without the proper support they need to succeed,” IRCC said in a statement on January 22.
The new policy also entails the submission of attestation letters to IRCC from provinces or territories where students intend to study. Provinces and territories have been given until March 31 to establish a system for issuing these letters.
Canadian universities and colleges have urged Miller to postpone the implementation of this requirement until March 31, or until provinces successfully establish a robust system.
