Canada welcomed almost 40,000 new immigrants in July 2021

Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino announced that Canada welcomed about 39,500 new permanent residents in July 2021.

Canada seems to be on track to welcome 401,000 new immigrants in 2021 according to new numbers. July’s report shows that Canada welcomed almost 4,000 more immigrants than June.

So far in 2021, Canada has welcomed over 184,000 new permanent residents. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has set an ambitious goal to welcome 401,000 new permanent residents each year between 2021 and 2023. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada had an annual target of 341,000 newcomers.

The number of newcomers welcomed in June and July this year were higher than usual and are among the highest monthly totals in Canadian history. To meet the ambitious goal of welcoming immigrants this year, IRCC will need to welcome an additional 217,000 new permanent residents in the remaining five (5) months of the year. This equals to an average of 43,400 newcomers per month.

This could be possible, but it will be difficult. Before the pandemic, Canada welcomed an average of 25,000 to 35,000 new immigrants per month.

To help achieve the goal of welcoming 401,000 immigrants this year, there are several things that can contribute to achieving the goal.

Travel restrictions for around 23,000 Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) holders were eased on June 21. This allows them to move to Canada without travel restrictions. In addition, newly approved permanent residents were announced to be allowed to enter the country on June 21 as well.

From the six (6) new permanent residency streams that launched in May for international graduates and essential workers in Canada, IRCC hopes to process 40,000 of the 90,000 applications by the end of 2021.

IRCC has been holding large Express Entry draws throughout the past year and a half. This year seems to prioritize Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates as it is very likely that applicants are living in Canada. The IRCC should be able to complete the landing process for these new permanent residents by the end of the year.