Canada Sets Immigration Record In 2022 With 430,000 New Permanent Residents

Canada settled 431,645 new permanent residents in 2022, breaking the previous all-time record set in 2021.

This is one indication that the federal government is on track with its immigration policy. A total of 485,000 new permanent residents are expected to be welcomed by the government next year.

“Newcomers play an essential role in filling labour shortages, bringing new perspectives and talents to our communities, and enriching our society as a whole,” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser said in a news release.

“I am excited to see what the future holds and look forward to another historic year in 2023 as we continue to welcome and embrace newcomers with open arms.”

The previous record-setting year for immigration was 1913. More than 405,000 immigrants arrived in Canada in 2021.

In 2022, the country processed 5.2 million applications for citizenship, temporary residence, and permanent residence, double the number of 2021.

It was announced in November that Canada would welcome 500,000 permanent residents a year by 2025 as part of the federal government’s immigration plan.

A revamped skilled-immigration system, according to the new multi-year plan, will assist in recruiting candidates in sectors with acute labour shortages, such as health care, manufacturing, building trades, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Fraser can select immigrants with the skills in demand here without the current points-based selection system under the 2022 federal budget bill. Starting next year, so-called “targeted draws” will be conducted.