15,100 new immigrants were warmly welcomed this year in October, the same number as were earlier welcomed in September.

However, Canada’s immigration levels remain significantly lower, as a result of the pandemic.

Prior to the pandemic, Canada welcomed 25,000-35,000 new migrants per month. In October 2019, Canada welcomed 31,000 immigrants, meaning that immigration has more than halved on a year-over-year basis. In the first 10 months of 2020, Canada welcomed 158,600 immigrants, which strongly suggests it will fall short of 200,000 arrivals by the end of the year for the first time since 1999.

The strongest month during the pandemic came in June when Canada admitted 19,100 new permanent residents. Lower immigration to Canada is due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, challenges in confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) holders coming to Canada, and Canada’s coronavirus travel restrictions.

Despite the subsisting pandemic, Canada plans on welcoming high levels of new permanent residents in the coming years. On October 30th, Canada announced that high levels are meant to compensate for the decline in immigration caused by the pandemic.

The new 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan focuses on targeting over 400,000 new immigrant arrivals per year, which is the highest targets in its history.

Express Entry is Canada’s immigration system to manage skilled workers’ applications. It remains to be seen if Canada’s 2021 immigration target is achievable due to continuing disruptions caused by COVID-19. However, it is expected to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Health Canada provided its first approval for a COVID-19 vaccine last week and Canadians are set to begin receiving inoculations today.

Canada’s coronavirus cases have increased at a concerning rate in recent months resulting in new lockdowns in cities such as Toronto. At the same time, Canada has secured the most coronavirus vaccines per capita in the world, by implementing the largest vaccination campaign in its history.

The wide scale vaccination of people in Canada and abroad will enable the Canadian government to relax its travel restrictions and see the country’s immigration levels return to normal.

Stay tuned for more updates on Canada Immigration.

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