By Adiba Hasan
As autumn settles in, Canada is steadily progressing toward its immigration targets for the year. The latest update from the ICC Immigration Dashboard indicates that IRCC has achieved 65% of its target for new Permanent Residents (PR) for 2023.
According to IRCC operational data, the number of PR applications received has been below average since June, when IRCC received only 20,836 applications, dropping from 41,430 PR applications received in May. July trended even lower to 17,770 PR applications.* While the overall number of PR applications received in 2023 are higher than in 2022, June and July 2023 experienced the lowest number of applications received.
*Note: IRCC operational data for permanent resident applications is preliminary and is subject to change
The ICC Immigration Dashboard shows the trends in admission numbers among the different immigration categories. Despite the backlogs, all categories have reached over 50% of IRCC’s target immigration levels. The Economic and Family categories stand out, with more than 60% of permanent residents admitted. Additionally, the Refugees and Other categories are not far behind, admitting 57% and 58% respectively.
IRCC has implemented a transparent tracking system to keep the public informed about their backlogs and inventories. Currently, IRCC is managing more than 2.3 million applications, out of which 35% of applications are in backlog and the remaining 65% are within the service standard.
The applications in backlog do not receive uniform attention. Citizenship applications have been the quickest to process, reducing the proportion of applications in backlog from 27% in June 2023 to 23% in September 2023. In contrast, permanent residence applications were at a 48% backlog in June, reducing only to 46% in September. Temporary Residence Visa applications have consistently maintained a 33% backlog since July.
Express Entry is a system that IRCC utilizes to select candidates that best fit specific economic immigration programs to apply for permanent residence. Express Entry encompasses Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, and part of the Provincial Nominee Programs.
Earlier in 2023, IRCC garnered attention for issuing a record number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs). However, as the department advances toward its annual PR targets, ITA issuance has declined. After a sharp drop in May, where only 5,389 ITAs were issued, June and July witnessed consistent issuance of 9,600 ITAs, followed by a slight dip to 8,600 ITAs in August. French-Language Proficiency candidates received the highest number of ITAs, constituting 25% of the total ITAs issued between June and August.
After a month-long pause of ITA issuance since August 15th, IRCC confirmed that the draw would restart, which took place on September 19th, issuing 3200 ITAs.
| Month (2023) | ITA Number |
|---|---|
| June (8th, 27th, 28th) | 9600 |
| July (4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th) | 9600 |
| August (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 15th) | 8600 |
| September (19th) | 3200 |
While Canada remains a beacon for hopeful immigrants worldwide, it is essential to acknowledge and address the domestic issues and perceptions that might deter potential immigrants. The rhetoric surrounding international students and the potential consequences of decreasing immigration levels requires us to ponder whether these measures might have unforeseen repercussions.
We welcome you to share your insights, experiences, and perspectives on this multifaceted issue.
Explore the latest data on permanent resident admissions and new citizens by visiting our immigration dashboard. At the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, we are dedicated to unlocking Canada for newcomers. Through initiatives like Canoo and our ongoing research projects, including the immigration dashboard, we strive to create opportunities and foster collaboration in support of Canada’s diverse and vibrant immigrant community.
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