Canada’s immigration numbers have seen a significant resurgence, with 42,545 new permanent residents welcomed in April, marking a 22% increase from March. This latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to maintain robust immigration levels.
The year began on a high note with January recording 47,755 new permanent residents, the highest in 11 months. Despite a dip in February to 39,100 and a further drop to 34,860 in March, April’s figures show a promising rebound. This pattern mirrors early 2023 trends, a year that ultimately saw record-breaking immigration numbers despite initial declines.
In the first four months of 2024, Canada welcomed 164,265 new permanent residents, a slight 6.2% decrease from the 175,060 newcomers during the same period in 2023. Nonetheless, projections based on the current trajectory suggest Canada will welcome approximately 492,795 new permanent residents by the end of 2024, a 4.4% increase from last year’s record of 471,810.
Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan sets ambitious targets: 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, increasing to 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. This plan not only aims to fuel economic growth and support family reunification but also addresses humanitarian needs, reflecting the rapid growth in immigration.
Ontario remains the top choice for newcomers, with 70,250 new permanent residents settling there in the first third of the year, accounting for 42.8% of all immigrants to Canada during this period. Economic programs, such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and others, have been instrumental, contributing 38,230 new permanent residents, which is about 54.5% of Ontario’s total.
Programs like the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Caregiver programs, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), Federal Skilled Trades (FST) and Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) programs, Start-Up Visa (SUV), and Self-Employed Persons (SEP) programs, along with the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway, have played key roles in bolstering Ontario’s immigrant population.
As Canada continues to welcome new residents at unprecedented levels, the country remains dedicated to creating opportunities and supporting its diverse population through strategic immigration initiatives.