In 2017, more than 286 000 foreign nationals were granted permanent residence, 3.3% less than in 2016. More than half of the permanent residents admitted in 2017 came as economic migrants (56%), 29% as sponsored family and 14% as refugees and protected persons. The top three origin countries of permanent residents were India (18%), the Philippines (14%) and China (11%). In 2016, the leading origin countries were the Philippines, India and Syria – the latter reflecting an exceptionally high humanitarian intake of 20%.
The number of economic immigrants increased by 2.1% from 156 000 in 2016 to 159 000 in 2017. The majority came under the Worker Program (104 400), followed by the Provincial Nominee Program (49 700) and the Business Program (5 200). The top three origin countries of economic immigrants were India (24%), the Philippines (21%) and China (11%).
The number of immigrants admitted under the sponsored family category increased by 5.7% from 78 000 in 2016 to 82 500 in 2017. The top three origin countries of immigrants admitted under the sponsored family category were India (16%), China (14%) and the Philippines (9%).
Canada has a strong commitment to resettlement. The number of resettled refugees and protected persons decreased by 30% from 58 900 in 2016 to 41 500 in 2017. Of these, 28% came from Syria.
Immigration is expected to continue at record levels, with the planned intake for 2018 set at 310 000, followed by 330 000 for 2019 and 340 000 for 2020, with the aim of 1% of the population thereafter. The majority of the increase will be in the economic category.
In addition to permanent residents, 375 300 temporary residents received a first permit in 2017, 27% more than in 2016. Study permits accounted for 52%, while work permits were at 47%. As part of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, since June 2017 short-term researchers and highly skilled workers arriving for a short time period no longer require a work permit. Furthermore, high-skilled talent have work permits and visas processed in two weeks.
Changes to the Express Entry system for economic migration in June 2017 included additional points for applicants with siblings in Canada and for candidates with strong French language skills, while the requirement for registration with the Job Bank was removed.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) was launched in January 2017; provinces began accepting applications in March 2017. The AIP is a partnership between the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces designed to test innovative approaches to new partnerships, settlement and service delivery models. The goal of the Pilot is to ensure the long-term retention of skilled immigrants in Atlantic Canada, to meet labour market needs and to drive economic growth in the region.
In 2017, Canada received over 50 000 asylum claims, more than twice the 2016 figure. The increase was largely attributable to the approximately 20 500 asylum seekers who entered Canada irregularly between designated ports of entry, representing an eight-fold increase over the 2 500 irregular migrants received in 2016. During the peak of the influx in August 2017, arrivals of up to 400 migrants per day were intercepted crossing the Canada-U.S. border irregularly. The top origin countries for claims made by irregular migrants between 1 April and 31 December 2017 were Haiti, Nigeria, the United States and Turkey. In order to respond to the influx Canada took a number of measures, including increasing processing capacity, engaging in communication and outreach campaigns to correct misinformation about the Canadian asylum system and co-ordinating response with provincial partners.
On April 1, 2017, the Department launched new pre-departure medical services for refugees destined for Canada. They include a medical examination, certain pre-departure vaccinations aligned with Canadian guidelines, services to manage disease outbreaks in refugee camps and medical support during travel to Canada.
A reform of citizenship legislation received Royal Assent in June 2017 and was implemented throughout 2017 and 2018. Under the new law, applicants are no longer required to intend to continue to live in Canada once granted citizenship, and the ability to revoke citizenship from dual citizens convicted of crimes against the national interest was repealed. Further changes included reducing the time permanent residents must be physically present in Canada to three out of five years, instead of four out of six, before applying for citizenship; amending the age range for people to meet the language and knowledge requirements for citizenship from 14-64 years to 18‑54 years; and counting some of the time applicants spend in Canada as temporary residents or protected persons toward their duration of residence requirements for citizenship. The recent changes also made it easier for minors who are permanent residents to qualify for citizenship, as the age requirement for a grant of citizenship has been removed.
