June came out as the strongest month for Canadian Immigration as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported an increase in immigrant arrivals. This indicates that Canada is on the right track to meet its Immigration Levels Target for 2021 to invite around 401,000 new immigrants. This has been the most ambitious immigration target in Canadian history. Before this, the only time Canada managed to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants was in 1913. See Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2020-2023.
According to the preliminary figures revealed by the IRCC, Canada welcomed around 35,700 new immigrants in June. This figure shows better recovery compared to the last few months.
How Were the Canadian Immigration Levels in 2021?
Canada started strong this year. In January, Canada welcomed 24,680 new immigrants but gradually lost its momentum. In February, that figure decreased to 23,395 new immigrants, followed by 22,425 in March, 21,155 in April, and finally 17,100 in May.
Cumulatively, Canada managed to welcome around 143,000 new immigrants during the first 6 months of 2021. However, Canada needs to pick up its pace if it intends to reach its set immigration targets. Canada needs to invite an average of 43,000 new immigrants every month for the next 6 months to bring another 258,000 immigrants.
While this is an ambitious target, there is still a possibility that it might be achieved. Before the pandemic, Canada was welcoming an average of 25,000 to 35,000 new immigrants every month. It has also been observed that immigration levels tend to be higher during warmer weather, especially at the start of the academic and business year in September.
In 2019, immigration levels were stronger during the second part of the year, welcoming over 180,000 new immigrants between July and December. However, even if Canada keeps up the same level of immigrants in the second half of 2021, it will still fall short of its target.
