Canada recorded strongest month in welcoming new immigrants during the pandemic in June

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released the numbers of new immigrants Canada welcomed in June 2021.

Canada welcomed 35,600 new permanent residents in June. This was the strongest month for new immigrant arrivals since the start of the pandemic.

June was the first time during the pandemic which Canada landed over 25,000 new immigrants in a month. To keep with the target of welcoming 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021, Canada will need to welcome an average of 43,000 newcomers each month for the rest of the year.

Canada has welcomed a total of 144,330 new permanent residents during the first six (6) months of 2021. This is just under thirty-six percent (36%) of the 2021 target. Canada welcomed 24,680 in January, 23,395 in February, 22,425 in March, 21,155 in April, and 17,100 in May.

It will be difficult for IRCC to meet their target of welcoming 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021, however there are a few ways that numbers may increase during the next couple months.

Around 23,000 additional Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) holders are now eligible to move to Canada. This is because restrictions for travel for COPR holders was eased on June 21^st. As well, anyone recently approved for permanent residence can immediately move to Canada.

The Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence Pathway (TR to PR Pathway) which created six (6) new permanent residency streams. The TR to PR Pathway was for 90,000 international graduates and essential workers to allow them to stay in Canada. IRCC hopes to process approximately 40,000 of the applications by the end of 2021.

Express Entry draws are breaking records as it prioritizes Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.

Typically, immigration levels tend to be higher in Summer as newcomers arrive during favourable weather conditions. As well, arriving in Summer allows for time to settle before the start of the academic and business calendar in September.