The largest number of immigrants plan 2021-2023
Another reason to cheer up for you is that in late October 2020, Mendicino announced the most ambitious immigration targets in Canadian history. Under the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome at least 401,000 new immigrants per year.
The recent TV interview by Mendicino in which he stated that he was confident that the targets were realistic even during the pandemic, is a big relief for all aspirants to settle in Canada. The reasons for this include IRCC inviting more immigration candidates living in Canada right now to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. Provinces and territories are employing a similar approach through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and in Quebec.
Relaxation in travel restrictions
Making it easier for you to travel to Canada, the travel restrictions contains many exemptions that allow certain individuals, such as the close family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, to immigrate to Canada during the pandemic.
Canada to Improve the immigration rate
Canada had been welcoming around 300,000 new immigrants annually in the years leading up to the pandemic. The country’s immigration rate stood at about 0.9 percent, which represents three times as many new immigrants per capita as the United States. Canada’s immigration rate fell to 0.5 percent in 2020 as the country welcomed under 200,000 immigrants for just the second time since 1989 (the only other time was in 1998).
A ray of hope for all aspirants is that Canada’s immigration levels are likely to bounce back with a target to exceed 200,000 newcomers in 2021 as IRCC has since adapted to the pandemic. A significant reason why immigration failed to break the 200,000 newcomer barrier last year was that Canada’s permanent residence landings plummeted between the middle of March and May 2020 as federal government officials were affected by lockdowns and other pandemic measures. As Mendicino indicated in his recent TV interview, IRCC has since expanded its operations to incorporate remote working and more online application processing. These measures will avoid unexpected disruptions to its ability to support the recovery of immigration levels and assist in paving way for the new applicants.
Get, Set, GO!
Though the pandemic will continue to have an impact on Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, yet it will not be a hindrance for you anymore, as the Canadian government expects levels to surpass 401,000 annually once COVID-19 has been contained globally.
In the meantime, IRCC and provinces and territories continue to issue new immigration invitations. IRCC held an Express Entry draw yesterday and is expected to hold another one this week, thus dragging you nearer to the fulfillment of your dream to settle in the land of the maple leaf.
So what are you waiting for? Make the best of this golden opportunity to apply to immigrate to Canada.
