According to Maple News, Canada recorded its strongest month for immigration since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, welcoming approximately 35,700 new permanent residents in June 2021. These figures, reported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), mark a significant rebound and demonstrate renewed momentum in the country’s ambitious immigration plan.
The June numbers represent a sizable jump from prior months. Canada admitted 24,680 newcomers in January, followed by a gradual decline—23,395 in February, 22,425 in March, 21,155 in April, and 17,100 in May. In contrast, June showed a noticeable recovery, suggesting that IRCC is accelerating its intake amid border restrictions and processing delays caused by the pandemic.
Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino affirmed the nation’s commitment to its Immigration Levels Plan 2021–2023, which seeks to add at least 401,000 new permanent residents annually starting in 2021. “We are going to make good on our commitment,” Mendicino stated, reinforcing the government’s resolve to meet record-high immigration goals despite ongoing public health challenges.
Historically, Canada last exceeded the 400,000 immigrant threshold in 1913, just before immigration levels plunged with the outbreak of World War I. If successful, 2021 will mark the first time in over a century that Canada reaches this milestone again.
Through the first half of the year, Canada has landed approximately 143,000 permanent residents. While this is a meaningful step, the country must admit another 258,000 immigrants in the remaining six months—an average of about 43,000 each month—to hit its annual target.
Meeting this goal will require a consistent and marked increase in monthly admissions. IRCC has been working to streamline processes, such as digitizing applications and prioritizing in-Canada applicants, especially those already residing in the country on work or study permits.
Though challenging, there remains cautious optimism that with focused effort and continued policy innovation, Canada could still meet its 2021 target. But success will hinge on steady monthly growth in newcomer arrivals and efficient processing of immigration applications.
Maple News will continue to monitor Canada’s progress as it works toward one of the most ambitious immigration targets in its history.