As per the recent data released by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) it has been revealed that Canada has surpassed its intended target for the number of permanent residents it aimed to welcome in 2023. According to the latest figures from IRCC, the department admitted 471,550 new permanent residents in 2023, marking an increase of 33,950 compared to the previous year's 437,600.
- 2022 Immigrations- 437,600.
- 2023 Immigrations - 471,550
This figure exceeds the target outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, which aimed to welcome 465,000 permanent residents. The department considered candidates from various programs including Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program, along with their families.
Additionally, IRCC provided statistics on the finalization of temporary residence applications, noting that these numbers include both approvals and rejections.
The statistical data of 2023 immigration is as below by the IRCC -
- The department finalized 1,646,300 work permit applications, including extensions, which is an increase of 503,330 over 2022.
- For study permits, 1,089,600 were finalized, including extensions, showing a year-over-year difference of 171,700 compared to 2022.
- Moreover, IRCC data indicates that 293,000 newcomers obtained Canadian citizenship between April 1 and December 31, 2023, marking an increase of 13,900 over the same period in 2022.
What does the future Canada immigrations look like in 2024?
In terms of future plans, the number of new permanent residents welcomed in 2023 suggests that IRCC is on track to achieve its target of admitting 485,000 permanent residents in 2024. Over the subsequent two years, 2025 and 2026, IRCC plans to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents. IRCC regularly releases the Immigration Levels Plan for the next three years, setting targets for permanent resident admissions without specifying targets for temporary residents such as those on work or study permits.
Despite not capping the number of permanent residents admitted or processing their applications, IRCC introduced a cap on study permits for 2024. The department announced that it will issue only 360,000 new study permits, though there is no limit on permit renewals or new permits for graduate-level students. Additionally, IRCC published ministerial instructions on February 1, limiting the number of study permit applications processed to 606,250.
As of December 31, 2023, IRCC had 2,221,100 applications in inventory, with 949,500 classified as backlog. The department aims to process 80% of immigration applications within specified service standards, which vary depending on the type of application. However, as of December 2023, 44% of permanent residency applications and 49% of work permit applications were in backlog.
What steps has IRCC taken to reduce the backlog applications for Canada immigration?
IRCC has implemented several measures to reduce the backlog, including –
- prioritizing processing for certain categories such as healthcare and agriculture worker permits.
- IRCC has also taken initiatives such as Canada's tech talent strategy and online portals for application submissions and status tracking aim to expedite processing.
- Furthermore, IRCC has introduced online processes for citizenship applications, including tests and ceremonies, to streamline the citizenship application process.
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