By Adiba Hasan
IRCC released the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan in November 2023, setting its PR admissions target at 485,000 in 2024 before levelling at 500,000 for 2025 and 2026. The latest data on the ICC’s Immigration Dashboard indicates that in January and February 2024, IRCC managed to admit 18% of its immigration target, which represents a 3% decline from the same period in 2023.
Increases in immigration following the pandemic have sparked intense debates about the impact of higher levels on a variety of issues such as housing and healthcare. In response, the government seems to be attempting to strike a balance by introducing “soft caps” for immigration groups such as temporary workers and international students, which were previously not subject to limits. While these new limits on temporary residents are established, as well as a levelling off of PR admissions at 500,000 in 2025 and 2026, the precise impact on issues such as housing and healthcare remains to be seen.
The chart below illustrates that while Canada saw a 20% increase in new citizens in the first two months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, permanent resident (PR) admissions saw a 14% decrease over the same period.
Fewer Invitations to Apply (ITAs) and Higher CRS Scores
IRCC issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA) after a candidate successfully submits their PR application through the Express Entry system. Express Entry employs a Comprehensive Ranking System, a point-based system that gives candidates a score of 1,200 points based on their age, education, language proficiency, and work experience among other criteria. IRCC reviews and selects candidates that fit specific economic immigration programs, such as Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs.
According to earlier draws in the Express Entry pool, scores for General applications that received an ITA were between 400-500 points, with the lowest CRS score requiring 75 points in post-pandemic 2021. However, the bar was raised in 2024, with successful applicants needing a score of above 500 points to receive an ITA, reflecting one of the many ways the government is trying to tighten immigration selection standards.
Further suggesting a more selective approach to immigration through Express Entry, there’s been a notable decrease of 21% of ITAs issued in 2024. Compared to the first four months of 2023, where IRCC issued 41,059 ITAs, the total ITA issued in 2024 is 32,395.
| Month (2024) | ITA Number |
|---|---|
| January (10th, 23rd, 31st) | 3,280 |
| February (1st, 13th, 14th, 16th, 28th) | 16,110 |
| March (12th, 13th, 25th, 26th) | 7,305 |
| April (10th, 11th, ongoing) | 5,750 |
While the Express Entry pool includes numerous streams that candidates can apply under, the French Language Proficiency and general groups have gotten most of the invitations, 34% and 38% respectively.
Navigating the Backlog
IRCC’s backlog tracker indicates that 58% of applications are being processed within the established standard time, with the remaining 42% exceeding service standards.
The graph below illustrates the fluctuations of applications in backlogs. Between June to December 2023, the citizenship backlog decreased by 6% whereas PR application backlogs decreased by 3%. Notably, there was a reduction of 36,800 citizenship applications between June to December 2023, and PR applications decreased by 1,000 while the backlog rate decreased slowly. By contrast, the backlog for temporary resident visas (including study and work permits; TRV) increased by 14% in 2023, even though total application numbers decreased from 1,300,000 in July 2023 to 1,256,600 in December 2023.
The graph below indicates a steady decrease in the percentage of citizenship applications in backlog, but it is also the group with the lowest number of applications when compared to PR and TRV application numbers.
| Month | Backlog | Application | % Backlog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | |||
| July | 308,000 | 640,000 | 48 |
| Aug | 303,000 | 640,000 | 47 |
| Sept | 290,500 | 640,000 | 45 |
| Oct | 291,000 | 640,000 | 45 |
| Nov | 284,600 | 646,000 | 44 |
| Dec | 287,500 | 639,000 | 45 |
| 2024 | |||
| Jan | 308,900 | 702,000 | 44 |
| Feb | 309,300 | 722,500 | 43 |
| Mar | 304,300 | 717,700 | 42 |
| Backlog | Applications | % Backlog |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| 83,000 | 308,000 | 27 |
| 72,000 | 300,000 | 24 |
| 67,900 | 295,217 | 23 |
| 60,700 | 288,700 | 21 |
| 58,200 | 274,600 | 21 |
| 56,400 | 271,200 | 21 |
| 2024 | ||
| 49,800 | 262,100 | 19 |
| 49,800 | 267,400 | 19 |
| 48,400 | 263,400 | 18 |
| Backlog | Applications | % Backlog |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| 429,000 | 1,300,000 | 33 |
| 426,000 | 1,331,250 | 32 |
| 444,200 | 1,346,060 | 33 |
| 493,000 | 1,264,000 | 39 |
| 585,700 | 1,273,400 | 46 |
| 592,600 | 1,256,600 | 47 |
| 2024 | ||
| 590,800 | 1,257,000 | 47 |
| 570,900 | 1,198,500 | 48 |
| 546,500 | 1,145,100 | 48 |
Share Your Thoughts
So far, the data for 2024 show fewer ITA’s being issued and a decrease in PRs being admitted, along with a very slow progress in working through backlogged applications. As we track the changes and continue to provide analysis of the changing immigration trends through the ICC Immigration Dashboard, here are two questions to ponder:
- Should alternative immigration streams be added to an already overwhelmed Express Entry system?
- Will a decrease in immigration levels have the intended impact on housing and healthcare strains, or will new challenges emerge?
Stay informed about the latest immigration trends with the ICC’s immigration dashboard. Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
Since its inception, Canoo has unlocked Canada for almost 500,000 newcomers, providing free admission to museums, galleries, festivals, concerts, and other experiences across the country. In this quarterly Canoo Insights Report, we are excited to share how Canoo allows members to explore Canada.
$55+ million
in value delivered since Canoo started
490K+
newcomers have participated
289K+
newcomers currently active on Canoo
Canoo offers members unparalleled access to venues across Canada. Members can visit world-class museums, galleries, national parks, and more – all free or heavily discounted. Canoo unlocks local communities for members, offering opportunities for them to make long-lasting connections.
Canoo to Other Provinces
For many Canoo members, the app offers something more: the opportunity to explore beyond their province of residence and discover all that Canada has to offer.
In 2023, thousands of Canoo members travelled outside their province of residence and visited Canoo venues across Canada.
Canoo Visits 2023
As summer unfolds across Canada, it brings a vibrant array of outdoor activities, festivals, and gatherings. Naturally, Canoo visits peak in the summer months. Out-of-province visits follow a similar pattern, demonstrating Canoo’s popularity during the summer holidays when families can travel more easily.
Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors by Province 2023
In the chart below, Quebec stands out for receiving the most out-of-province visitors. Although the overall number of out-of-province visitors was highest in Quebec, the following regional assessments demonstrate higher rates of out-of-province visitors in some smaller provinces, particularly in Atlantic Canada.
Regional Assessment
Western Canada received high rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023. It’s no wonder that so many Canoo members choose to travel to visit these incredible provinces. From seeing the world’s largest T. rex in Saskatchewan to skiing in Banff to whale watching in the Pacific, Western Canada has a lot to offer. Hover over the charts below to see how many Canoo members visited each province.
Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Western Canada 2023
Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023
Alberta: Royal Tyrrell Museum
In 2023, the Royal Tyrrell Museum welcomed 1909 Canoo visitors from outside of Alberta, including 1104 adult Canoo members with a total of 805 children.
British Columbia: Science World
In 2023, Science World welcomed 2178 Canoo members from outside of BC, including 1252 adults with a total of 926 children.
Saskatchewan: Western Development Museum – 1910 Boomtown
In 2023, the Western Development Museum – 1910 Boomtown welcomed 89 Canoo members from outside of Saskatchewan, including 50 adults with a total of 39 children.
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In Central Canada, Quebec received notably high rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023. This is no surprise considering the incredible culture and nature in Quebec, in addition to the province’s proximity to 100,000+ Canoo members based in Ontario.
Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Central Canada 2023
Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023
Manitoba: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
In 2023, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights welcomed 275 Canoo members from outside of Manitoba, including 197 adults with a total of 78 children.
Ontario: Royal Ontario Museum
In 2023, the Royal Ontario Museum welcomed 1819 Canoo members from outside of Ontario, inclduing 1213 adults with a total of 606 children.
Quebec: Biodôme
In 2023, the Biodôme welcomed 6389 Canoo members from outside of Quebec, including 3963 adults with a total of 2426 children.
Across Canada, the highest rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023 were recorded in the Atlantic region. These provinces offer a wide range of culture, history, and outdoor experiences all within close geographic range; it’s no wonder so many Canoo members choose to travel out east!
Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Atlantic Canada 2023
Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023
New Brunswick: Beaverbrook Art Gallery
In 2023, Beaverbrook Art Gallery welcomed 61 Canoo members from outside of New Brunswick, including 35 adults with a total of 26 children.
Newfoundland and Labrador: The Rooms
In 2023, The Rooms welcomed 114 Canoo members from outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, including 86 adults with a total of 28 children.
Nova Scotia: Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
In 2023, The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic welcomed 734 Canoo members from outside of Nova Scotia, including 482 adults with a total of 252 children.
If you enjoyed reading this report, explore our previous editions of the Canoo Insights Report! Discover more about the invaluable partnerships and stories of Canoo members:
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 1
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 2
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 3 Canoo Women Members
- Canoo Insights report: Part 4 Happy Canoo-versary!
As Canoo continues to improve and expand, our quarterly reports aim to provide insights into Canoo, the diverse individuals it serves, and the meaningful partnerships that bring Canoo to life for newcomers.
To stay informed about the latest developments at the ICC, please subscribe here and follow us to get upcoming content from Ideas & Insights at ICC.
By Adiba Hasan
As immigration continues to be the central debate in Canadian politics, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) admitted 471, 550 new permanent residents (PR) in 2023, surpassing the targeted PR admissions.
Citizenship in 2023
While policies emphasize the admission of temporary residents and new PRs, citizenship tends to receive less attention. The ICC has taken the lead on tracking monthly citizenship numbers through the ICC Immigration Dashboard and has also published reports that demonstrate a decline in naturalization rates.
The ICC Immigration Dashboard shows there were 379,448 new citizens in 2023. It is worth noting that IRCC does not publish an annual target for citizenship as they do with PR targets.
Immigration Trends
In 2023, the number of new citizens remained relatively stable with just a 1% increase from 2022, which works out to an additional 3,838 new citizens. By comparison, PR admissions experienced an 8% increase over the same time period.
PR by Province: 12-Month Comparison
Ontario attracted the highest number of immigrants, admitting 206,725 new PRs in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year. Quebec experienced a 23% decline in PR admissions as the province admitted 52,790 PRs in 2023 and 68,715 in 2022. While not significantly lower, Nova Scotia admitted 11,810 PRs, 840 applicants less than the previous year.
Immigration Category
Most PRs were admitted under the Economic and Family immigration categories, surpassing the target set for 2023. The refugee category reached 98% of its target, and the “other” category reached 89% of its target.
Additionally, the following table shows the percentage increase in PR admissions in the categories in 2023 compared to 2022:
| Category | 2023 PR Admisions | 2022 PR Admissions | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic | 272,620 | 255,670 | +7 |
| Family Class | 109,580 | 97,290 | +13 |
| Refugees | 74,975 | 74,300 | +0.9 |
| Other | 14,200 | 10,150 | +40 |
Top 3 Source Countries for PR in 2023
The ICC Immigration Dashboard highlights the diverse backgrounds of people who settle in Canada. In 2023, India (139,715 PRs), China (31,770), and the Philippines (26,945) resumed their positions as the top source countries for PR admissions, repeating a pattern observed in 2021. India has consistently been the top source country for PR admissions between 2021 to 2023.
The new source countries that emerged in 2022 were Afghanistan (23,745 PRs) and Nigeria (22,135 PRs), which remain in the top 5 source countries in 2023.
Emerging Source Countries
2023 also saw a significant growth in PR admissions from African nations, reflecting the changes in global immigration dynamics. The source countries that saw an increase in the number of PRs admitted were Cameroon, with an 87% increase from 2022, Congo, DRC, 63% increase, and Eritrea, 40% increase.
Every year, IRCC reveals its immigration levels plan that sets targets for the number of PRs that will be admitted through different categories in the forthcoming three years. As we continue to analyze and report, the immigration levels plan aims to welcome 485,000 new PRs in 2024, increasing to 500,000 PRs in 2025 and 2026. Separately, Quebec released its immigration target levels, which are set to admit 50,000 PRs in 2024 and 2025.
At the moment, IRCC has not published annual targets for new citizens.
Share Your Thoughts
- In the global competition for skilled labour, how should Canada adjust its immigration selection policies to attract talent?
- How can Canadian immigration policies be adapted to more effectively recognize and utilize the credentials and experiences of international professionals, addressing underemployment issues among immigrants?
Track the changing trends in immigration through the ICC’s immigration dashboard. At the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, our commitment is to make Canada accessible to newcomers. Through programs like Canoo and our various research efforts, we hope to collaboratively build pathways to enrich Canada’s diverse immigrant population.
Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
By Adiba Hasan
The ICC Immigration Dashboard indicates that IRCC is well on its way to reaching its goal for the year having admitted 80% of its target for new Permanent Residents (PR) for 2023.
According to IRCC data, 37% of the PR admissions were people who transitioned from holding temporary residency in Canada to becoming permanent residents. However, new research commissioned by the ICC shows that immigration levels only show part of the story; immigrants are leaving Canada in growing numbers.
Diving into the Trends:
The ICC Immigration Dashboard shows a pattern of PR admissions experiencing a dip every August. For reference, the ICC Immigration Dashboard shows the following dips between June to September every year since 2018:
Each year, between July and August, there’s an average decrease of 13%. However, September typically witnesses an uptick in PR admissions. In 2023, we observed a different pattern than in the previous years. There is a steady decrease from 42,405 permanent residents admitted in June, followed by a slight dip to 40,630 in July, a more substantial drop to 34,920 in August, following a further dip to 32,065 in September.
Challenges and Departures:
While the government diligently focuses on achieving its immigration targets, new research by the ICC and the Conference Board of Canada shows that immigrants are leaving Canada at alarming rates, with spikes in the most recent years for which data are available. The report, The Leaky Bucket, shows that onward migration has been creeping up since the 1980s. The findings suggest that immigration levels and associated concerns with impacts on infrastructure and public services cannot be viewed in isolation — the number of immigrants coming to Canada must be contextualized with the number of immigrants choosing to leave.
Read the full report here: Immigrants leaving Canada in growing numbers
Source Countries and Naturalization:
The top four source countries for new Canadian citizens between January to September 2023 were India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Pakistan. New Canadian citizens from Iran and China show month-to-month fluctuations.
Notably, India and China, which do not permit dual citizenship, exhibit the most significant disparities between permanent residents and choosing to naturalize.
While naturalization is decreasing among all major source countries, research conducted by Andrew Griffith and published by the ICC shows that restrictions on dual nationality has a “limited impact on overall naturalization rates“. One significant insight from the research is that permanent residents are taking much longer to naturalize. Combined with the recent findings that growing numbers of immigrants are leaving Canada, serious questions are being raised about immigrants’ satisfaction with life in Canada.
Maintaining Canada’s reputation as a welcoming society is crucial, but it is equally vital to recognize that Canada has not been paying close enough attention to the experiences of immigrants once they arrive. As ICC CEO Daniel Bernhard aptly puts it, “If we are able to attract but not retain talent from the rest of the world, then all of our prosperity is threatened.”
- What are the consequences for Canada if immigrants no longer commit to building their futures here?
- How can Canada proactively work to retain immigrants and continue to attract the diverse talent it needs to thrive in a globalized world?
We invite you, our readers, to share your valuable insights, experiences, and perspectives on these pressing matters. Your engagement is vital as we work to shape Canada’s immigration policies and ensure an inclusive and welcoming future for all.
Stay informed through the immigration dashboard for the latest numbers on PR admissions and new citizens.
Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
The proportion of permanent residents taking up Canadian citizenship within ten years of arrival declined 40% between 2001 and 2021. Today, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship is publishing a new analysis conducted by expert researcher Andrew Griffith, which examines this trend more closely.
Key findings from the research
1. Naturalization is declining across all major source countries
Less than 50% of citizenship-eligible permanent residents from top immigration source countries are becoming Canadian citizens within ten years of arrival. This is the case for permanent residents from China (30%), India (49%), South Korea (35%), United Kingdom (43%) and United States of America (48%), among other top source countries.
2. Source country restrictions on dual nationality have a limited impact on naturalization rates
A prevailing theory on the cause of declining naturalization rates is that a growing number of immigrants to Canada come from countries that prohibit multiple citizenships. This research debunks this claim. The proportion of permanent residents from countries that prohibit naturalization has grown, but the increase in the number of permanent residents choosing not to become citizens is higher amongst source countries that allow dual citizenship. Between Census 2016 and Census 2021, the number of permanent residents from India choosing not to become Canadian citizens increased by 47%. For permanent residents from China, it increased by 40%. Both countries prohibit dual nationality. For those from the Philippines, which allows dual nationality, the number of permanent residents choosing not to become Canadian citizens increased by 64%.
3. Permanent residents are taking longer to become citizens
For those who do become citizens, the time between arrival and naturalization has increased significantly. Between 2005 and 2022, permanent residents who arrived under the Economic category took 21% longer to naturalize at 6.1 years on average. For the Family Reunification Class, time increased 17% to 7.4 years on average. Among source countries, time to naturalization for permanent residents from China increased almost 70% to 7.9 years, while for the Philippines it increased almost 30% to 6.6 years. India remained relatively stable at 6.1 years on average. Permanent residents from Iran saw the largest increase overall, 181%, taking 12.5 years to naturalize, on average.
4. The ten years following arrival are critical
While fewer permanent residents are naturalizing overall, 92% of naturalizations take place within ten years. In other words, if a permanent resident chooses not to become a Canadian citizen within ten years of arriving in Canada, it is unlikely that they will ever choose to do so. This finding highlights the first ten years as a critical period to intervene.
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.
PR Applications Received
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
Immigration Category
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.
Application Backlog
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.
Invitation to Apply (ITAs)
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.
- How can Canada ensure it remains attractive to potential immigrants, despite domestic challenges?
- Could the current immigration debate have unforeseen ramifications that might affect Canada’s image as an immigration-friendly nation?
- Given that the budget officer has affirmed that IRCC has enough staff to get through the backlog, what other strategies should IRCC implement to address the backlogs more effectively?
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.
Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
By Adiba Hasan
Mid-Year Check: Permanent Residents
Canada, recently rated as the second-best country in the world, is well on its way to achieving its target of welcoming 465,000 permanent residents in 2023. According to the latest data in the ICC Citizenship and Immigration Dashboard, Canada has reached 56% of its goal, admitting 263,175 permanent residents.
Mid-Year Check: Citizenship
While PR numbers are on track with the targets set out in the latest immigration levels plan, citizenship numbers are down compared to 2022. Halfway into 2023, Canada has admitted 177,415 citizens (check out ICC Immigration Dashboard).
In comparison to the same time period in 2022, Canada had admitted 187,540 citizens, indicating that citizenship processing is down 5.3%. On a monthly level from May to June 2023, citizenship numbers dropped by 12%, from 42,537 to 34,474 respectively.
International Students amidst Canadian political debates
Notwithstanding the recent progress against the targets set out in the latest immigration levels plan, debates have erupted over the impact of high levels of immigration to Canada on key services and infrastructure, with housing featuring prominently. The debate has expanded to include temporary categories of immigration, in particular international students. In 2022, Canada hosted 549,260 international students, the largest cohort in Canada’s history. This year, Canada has already admitted 289,875 international students according to IRCC data, well on its way to hosting 900,000 international students altogether.
As governments grapple with housing solutions, international students have become unwitting pawns in domestic political debates. In a CBC article, Isaac Garcia-Sitton, the executive director of international student enrolment, education and inclusion at Toronto Metropolitan University stated, “Canada’s established policies, systems and processes are not strategic in scope and lack an emphasis on student well-being — favouring the recruitment of international students but not necessarily their transition or settlement once they arrive”. This issue extends beyond the international student experience to the process of transitioning to permanent residence, and eventually, on to citizenship.
Proportion of PGWP holders who became PR in 2022
Data show that international students play a crucial role in Canada’s labour market, but many also go on to build long-term futures in Canada as permanent residents. Statistics Canada reported that among the 2008 cohort of international students who were in Canada on Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), 73% had become permanent residents by their 10th year in Canada. In 2022, 53,725 Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders transitioned to becoming permanent residents, representing 12% of the 437,120 PRs admitted last year (check the ICC Immigration and Citizenship Dashboard). International students are not only a source of domestically trained talent, they are future PRs and some eventually become citizens who vote, vocalize and shape the public discourse in Canada.
Canada’s immigration landscape in 2023 is characterized by both promise and challenge. International students not only enrich the country’s labour force but also contribute to the future of the country by building their futures here as permanent residents. However, the housing crisis remains a pressing issue that demands comprehensive solutions, and policies must evolve to prioritize the well-being of all immigrants, including new permanent residents and international students. In addition, better data needs to be gathered to track the proportion of international students who become permanent residents in Canada, and furthermore, to track the number who go on to become citizens. Questions remain as to whether international students are at the forefront of the government’s mind as they build frameworks and policies such as the “Trusted Institution Framework“.
- Is Canada’s goal to give international students solely an international experience or encourage them to become part of the Canadian fabric?
- What are the implications for Canada when international students become the focal point of domestic debates?
- Moreover, what does Canada prioritize: encouraging international students to become citizens or returning them to their home countries?
Your insights and opinions on these critical matters are valuable. We invite you to share your thoughts and join the conversation on the future of immigration policies in Canada.
Take a look at our immigration dashboard for the latest numbers on PR admissions and new citizens.
Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
By Adiba Hasan
Canada remains on track to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, having already hit 47% of its target by May. While April saw a temporary dip in the number of PRs admitted (likely related to the Public Service Alliance of Canada strike action), May saw a resurgence with 45,825 new permanent residents welcomed into the country.
Debates on immigration levels have bubbled to the surface in recent weeks, particularly in relation to its impact on housing affordability. The political significance of this debate was made all the more evident in the recent cabinet reshuffle as Minister Sean Fraser — the Minster responsible for setting current immigration levels — was moved from IRCC to Housing Infrastructure and Communities. With the introduction of Marc Miller (former Minister of Indigenous Services) as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the debate continues over how to balance immigration levels with adequate housing supply for a growing population. In particular, with labour shortages afoot, who will build the housing required to accommodate this growth? As Canada adapts its immigration categories and embraces new selection methods, the ICC Citizenship and Immigration Dashboard serves as a reliable resource, keeping the public informed about the latest trends in immigration.
Invitation to Apply: 2023
In May 2023, the former Minister of IRCC, the Honorable Sean Fraser, introduced a category-based selection approach to prioritize skilled immigrants in specific areas of need in Canada. The new categories established as part of this strategy are the following:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
The first call to apply for PR as part of the new immigration pathways under Express Entry focused on admitting immigrants with experience in the trades, STEM occupations, and French language proficiency. This year, IRCC pledged to welcome 82,880 immigrants under the Express Entry system and already issued 73,448 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
The highest draws were from the general express entry pool without any specific category, accounting for 56,400 ITAs. The rest of the categories make up 23% of the total ITAs issued in 2023, 6,900 ITAs for French Proficiency, 3,300 ITAs for Foreign Skilled Worker Program, 2,648 ITAs for Provincial nominees, 2,000 ITAs for Healthcare, 1,500 ITAs for Trades, and 500 ITAs for STEM.
As we wait for the Prime Minister to issue his mandate letter for the new cabinet, Minister Marc Miller has expressed that to address the shortage of skilled trades workers, it is imperative to be focusing on the new Trades category. In the coming months, close attention will be paid to how this immigration category impacts Canadian labour demand.
PR Admissions per Province: May
As Canada progresses towards its PR admissions target, provinces have experienced uneven trends.
Quebec saw a decline in PRs admitted since the beginning of the year. The province admitted 5,995 PRs in January, but as the year progressed, the province saw a drop in April, admitting 3,310 PRs. In May, Quebec admitted 3,555 PRs, but as the province toughened its immigration policies to make French language proficiency mandatory for almost all economic immigrants, it is yet to be seen how the numbers of PRs admitted are affected. However, economists indicate that the province will see labour shortages as companies will find it difficult to attract international talent partly due to the strong emphasis on French across permanent and temporary immigration streams.
The Atlantic Provinces started the year on a high note, but Newfoundland and PEI have since seen a fall in PR admissions. In January 2023, Newfoundland admitted 1,085 PRs, and PEI admitted 640 PRs. Fast forward to April, these provinces admitted 405 PRs and 300 PRs, respectively. As they strive for economic growth and development, attracting and retaining skilled immigrants becomes crucial.
Given the prevailing debates around immigration and housing across Canada, the introduction and prioritization of new categories for Express Entry raise interesting and significant questions: can category-based selection actually deliver against the labour shortages being experienced in the trades, STEM and healthcare sectors? Does Quebec’s new approach to francophone immigration pose risks to the province’s social and cultural cohesion, particularly amongst those outside of the francophone community? Our goal is to foster meaningful discussions about immigration and citizenship in Canada – share your thoughts with us!
Take a look at our immigration dashboard for the latest numbers on PR admissions and new citizens.
You can learn more about the ICC here. Join the conversation and be part of building a more inclusive Canada.
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By Adiba Hasan
In May 2023 the Institute for Canadian Citizenship commemorated the one-year anniversary of our transformative relaunch of the Canoo Access Pass (Canoo). As a charity dedicated to unlocking Canada for newcomers and working to facilitate the journey from arrival to citizenship and belonging, Canoo has proved to be an extraordinary initiative, supporting hundreds of thousands of newcomers to explore and engage with the country.
Free entry to over 1,400 of Canada’s best culture and nature attractions.
Free and discounted tickets to concerts and sports matches.
Exclusive deals with brands like Air Canada, VIA Rail, and tourist attractions like Whale watching, Sea to Sky Gondola, and much more!
Since its inception, Canoo has unlocked Canada for almost 500,000 newcomers, providing free admission to museums, galleries, festivals, concerts, and other experiences across the country. In this quarterly Canoo Insights Report, we are delighted to share some highlights and accomplishments from the past year.
$55+ million
in value delivered since Canoo started
490K+
newcomers have participated
150K+
newcomers currently active on Canoo
Before & After: Relaunching Canoo
Canoo started as a pilot program in 2015 to encourage the newest Canadian citizens to explore museums in their new chosen country. The program evolved into the Cultural Access Pass, which granted discounted or complimentary access to a myriad of cultural and artistic attractions. Since then, the program has transformed into Canoo, Canada’s biggest welcome network for new citizens and recent permanent residents, providing newcomers with access to over 1,400 venues and a multitude of events spanning the vast expanse of Canada, from coast to coast to coast.
In 2018, Canoo saw a modest redemption rate, with a total of 23,854 members taking advantage of the benefits offered. The number of individuals benefiting from Canoo’s offerings remained relatively flat in the years following, ranging from 30,000 to 35,000 members annually (notwithstanding the impact of Covid-19 in 2020-2021). However, with the relaunch of Canoo in May 2022, the program experienced a surge in active memberships, propelling the number of Canoo members to a remarkable 55,027 for 2022 overall.
Barely halfway through 2023, Canoo has again experienced significant growth in sign-ups. Since January, 40,015 individuals have joined the program (this represents 72% of the total downloads recorded in 2022 overall). This rapid growth is a testament to both the appeal and the undeniable value that Canoo brings to the lives of newcomers in Canada.
Museums, Theatres, Art Galleries, Parks and much more!
Calgary Stampede, Seal World Tour, MLSE and much more!
Value saved by Canoo members since Canoo was relaunched in May 2022
Canoo Memberships: Growing Steadily!
Each day, Canada welcomes one new permanent resident every 1 minute and 5 seconds, and each of these individuals is eligible to benefit from Canoo as they embark on their journey in Canada! Between May 2022 and May 2023, Canoo was activated by 92,666 newcomers and currently, there are 89,940 active Canoo members accessing over 1400 destinations and many events and tourist attraction sites.
(May 2022-May 2023)
Activations per Month
Almost 90% increase in Canoo Downloads
On relaunch in May 2022, Canoo had 9,379 new downloads. By May 2023, Canoo saw a growth of 87% whereas in May 2023 there were 17,494 new downloads.
Canoo Member Check-ins: A Major Uptick During Holiday Periods
A ‘Check-in’ refers to the moment that a Canoo member visits a venue, attends an event, or participates in an activity offered through Canoo. Over the past year, Canoo members along with their children checked-in more than 213,000 times to different venues and events offered through Canoo. At least half of Canoo members bring children. As shown below, Canoo members check-in the most when major holidays take place — typically during periods when families spend time together. For example, Canoo members and their children checked-in 32,172 times during the Victoria Day long weekend in May 2023, making it the highest check-in period on record!
Check-ins per Month
| Date | Holiday | Check-ins (Adult+Children) | Value Saved ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2022 | End of Summer Break | 19,112 | 294,721 |
| December 2022 | Winter Break | 13,754 | 275,575 |
| March 2023 | March Break | 21,412 | 380,976 |
| April 2023 | Easter Break | 26,856 | 513,073 |
| May 2023 | Victoria Day (Long Weekend) | 32,172 | 515,981 |
Testimonials
At the heart of Canoo’s success lies the unwavering support of our members, whose feedback has been invaluable in shaping and expanding this initiative. Without our members’ active participation, the Canoo program, along with the enriching partnerships it has forged across Canada, simply would not thrive. Check out one of our Canoo members’ experiences of Canoo that showcases the value of Canoo in fostering a sense of belonging and exploration in Canada (click here).
Other Canoo Members’ Experiences:
Canoo to us is like a lens through which we can explore Canada, we get to know all the beautiful, scenic, historical & cultural places in one place and in the most economical manner. ~Amandeep Kaur Bhatia
It [Canoo] helped me want to discover more places, and experience more after I moved as I was financially tight and that stopped me from exploring the culture, nature and more, of Canada. Canoo helped me fall in love with my new home. ~Thanzeem Kassim Rawther
If you found this report interesting, dive into our earlier editions of the Canoo Insights Report! We delve deeper into the valuable partnerships and stories of Canoo members:
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 1
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 2
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 3 Canoo Women Members
As Canoo continues to improve and reach new heights, our quarterly reports aim to provide a better understanding of Canoo, the diverse individuals it serves, and the valued partnerships that bring Canoo to life for newcomers.
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By Adiba Hasan
Canada’s population hit 40 million people in June 2023, representing the fastest population growth (2.7%) among G7 countries. The country plans to welcome 465,000 permanent residents (PRs) in 2023, while annual PR targets are set to hit 500,000 in 2025.
Increasing immigration levels have been accompanied by a surge in public debates about Canada’s ability to accommodate a growing number of immigrants. As the Canadian government pursues strategies to nurture both population and economic growth, the importance of having access to immigration data is becoming increasingly important. ICC’s Citizenship and Immigration Dashboard is a publicly-available tool that provides up-to-date access to the most recent trends. Here is the latest monthly analysis of new permanent resident admissions and new citizens in 2023.
IRCC Backlog
IRCC continues to face backlogs despite efforts to manage a growing number of applications. Overall, IRCC has 820,000 applications in backlog, comprising 429,000 temporary residence applications, 308,000 permanent residence applications, and 83,000 citizenship grant applications. In 2022, IRCC finalized 5.2 million applications. While the aim was to reduce the backlog, in June 2023, there was a slight increase in applications falling outside of service standards, from 800,000 to 820,000 applications.
An earlier analysis of our Citizenship and Immigration Dashboard predicted that the PSAC strike would contribute to a rise in the backlog of immigration applications, with Immigration Minister Sean Fraser acknowledging that approximately 100,000 decisions were not processed during the strike. While processing times have decreased for certain application paths, the processing of citizenship applications still takes about 19 months, and the processing time for permanent residence through the Federal Economic Class takes 20 to 24 months.
Citizenship versus Permanent Residence in 2023
The number of citizens and permanent residents admitted at the beginning of the year hit record highs but the trend saw a sharp decline in April 2023 (see our Citizenship and Immigration Dashboard for a visualization). Between March and April 2023, there was a 39% decrease in the number of permanent residents admitted in Canada and a 46% decrease in the number of new citizens admitted.
This decline could be caused by backlogs in processing applications, however, data acquired from IRCC also show that 2023 saw a notable decline in the number of citizens admitted since 2022.
Canadian Citizens Admission
The table shows fluctuations in the number of citizens admitted since 2019 in the period of January to April. Between January to April of 2023, IRCC admitted 100,161 new citizens, indicating a significant 20% decrease compared to the previous year. The data reveal that PR and Citizenship admissions have been low, but citizenship admissions in April were the lowest since 2020 when the pandemic began.
| Year (January-April) | New Citizens Admitted |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 100,161 |
| 2022 | 125,294 |
| 2021 | 16,674 |
| 2020 | 61,941 |
| 2019 | 82,406 |
Top 3 Source Countries in April 2023
The ICC’s Citizenship and Immigration Dashboard shows that India is the top source country for both new citizens and permanent resident admission, amounting to 3,130 new Canadian citizens and 9,275 permanent residents of Indian origin in April 2023. The Philippines (1,315) and Nigeria (644) follow after India for new citizens admitted, and China (1,770) and the Philippines (1,415) follow after India for permanent residents admitted. Although the following data represents a snapshot for April, a notable trendline can be observed in the Citizenship and Immigration Dashboard, indicating a decline in the number of admitted citizens and permanent residents (PRs) compared to the earlier months in 2023.
Top 3 Country of Origin for New Citizens
In April, there was a noticeable decline in overall citizenship numbers leading to a decline in the number of citizens from the respective countries above. When compared to March 2023, these were the following declining rates:
- India: citizens admitted in April was a 46% decline from those admitted in March 2023.
- Philippines: citizens admitted in April was a 53% decline from those admitted in March 2023.
- Nigeria: citizens admitted in April was a 57% decline from those admitted in March 2023.
Top 3 Country of Origin for New Permanent Residents
In April, there was a noticeable decline in overall permanent residence numbers leading to a decline in the number of PRs from the respective countries above. When compared to March 2023, these were the following declining rates:
- India: PRs admitted in April were a 38% decline from those admitted in March 2023.
- Philippines: PRs admitted in April was a 39% decline from those admitted in March 2023.
- China: PRs admitted in April were a 40% decline from those admitted in March 2023.
As Canada navigates the nuances of immigration targets, it is vital to reflect on public policy challenges and opportunities. How can Canada address concerns related to housing and strained healthcare systems while continuing to attract and retain skilled immigrants? What measures can be taken to ensure the long-term satisfaction and integration of recent permanent residents? Share your thoughts and perspectives on these questions and join the conversation on Canada’s immigration policies.
Take a look at our immigration dashboard for updated numbers of PRs and citizens.
You can learn more about the ICC here. Join the conversation and be part of building a more inclusive Canada.
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