Even though immigration to Canada has slowed, it’s still on track to pass 500,000

After two months of increasing immigration to Canada, the number of new permanent residents slightly declined in June.

The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that 44,540 new permanent residents arrived in June, a 4.9% decrease from May.

Even with this drop, Canada is still on pace to have a record year for immigration and may exceed its 2024 targets.

A Year of Consistent Growth with a Mid-Year Drop

The year started with a slow pace of immigration, with only 34,870 new permanent residents arriving in March.

However, April and May experienced notable increases, with 42,595 and 46,835 newcomers, respectively.

This upward trend fueled optimism that Canada might meet or even surpass its ambitious immigration targets for the year.

Although the number of new permanent residents dropped to 44,540 in June, this decline doesn’t significantly impact the overall positive trend for the year.

If the current pattern holds, Canada could welcome around 511,410 new permanent residents by the end of 2024.

This would be an 8.4% increase over the 471,815 new permanent residents in 2023, which was already a record year for Canadian immigration.

Additionally, the projected 511,410 new permanent residents would exceed the government’s target of 485,000 for 2024, as set in the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan.

This level of immigration would also surpass the goal of 500,000 new permanent residents set for both 2025 and 2026.

However, it’s important to remember that monthly immigration numbers can fluctuate significantly due to various factors, including seasonal trends, global events, and policy changes.

Ontario is the top choice for newcomers.

Ontario, the most populated province in Canada, remains the top choice for new immigrants.

In the first half of 2024, 106,500 new permanent residents settled in Ontario, making up more than 41.6% of all newcomers to the country during that time.

Ontario’s appeal comes from its strong economy, wide range of job opportunities, and well-established immigration programs.

The province’s ability to attract immigrants is bolstered by various programs like the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program.

These programs helped bring 56,155 new permanent residents to Ontario in the first half of 2024, making up about 52.7% of all newcomers to the province.

Besides economic immigrants, Ontario also welcomed 25,610 new permanent residents through family sponsorships and 19,755 through Canada’s refugee and protected persons programs between January and June.

Immigration by Province Across Canada

Although Ontario is the top destination, other provinces and territories also welcomed many new permanent residents in the first half of 2024.

Temporary Immigration and What to Expect in the Future

While permanent immigration is a major focus, temporary immigration to Canada has also increased, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) have driven this growth.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced that temporary immigration will soon have its own immigration plan, which will be revealed in September.

This plan will likely aim to balance temporary and permanent immigration, making sure Canada’s immigration system stays sustainable and meets the country’s economic needs.

What to Expect for the Rest of 2024

As Canada enters the second half of 2024, it looks set to exceed its immigration targets for the year.

However, factors like the new temporary immigration plan and possible changes in policies at the federal and provincial levels could affect the final numbers.

Even with a slight drop in June, immigration continues to be a major factor in Canada’s population growth and economic success.

With strong programs and ongoing interest from people looking for new opportunities, Canada is likely to remain one of the top destinations for immigrants.

As the year goes on, everyone will be watching the monthly immigration numbers to see if Canada can keep up its pace and achieve another record year for new permanent residents.

Canada’s commitment to welcoming immigrants through economic programs, family sponsorships, and refugee protection helps ensure its continued success in a globalized world.