Maple News reports that Canada admitted just 13,645 new permanent residents in July 2020, marking a dramatic decline in immigration at a time that is typically among the busiest for newcomers.
This figure represents a 63% drop compared to July 2019, when the country welcomed a record-breaking 36,615 permanent residents. The steep decline underscores the widespread impact of global travel restrictions and operational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Historically, the summer months—especially July—see higher immigration numbers as families plan moves ahead of the new academic year and businesses ramp up hiring. However, the ongoing public health crisis significantly hampered travel and processing of applications.
The decline also illustrates the broader challenges faced by Canada’s immigration system in 2020, where monthly admissions were consistently lower than average. Reduced flights, closed borders, and government-imposed health and safety measures delayed application processing and limited international mobility.
Despite these setbacks, Canada’s long-term immigration goals remained intact. Government officials reiterated their commitment to welcoming over one million new immigrants over a three-year period, starting in 2021, to support economic recovery and counter the country’s aging population.
As Canada continues to adjust its immigration policies and digital processing systems, a gradual rebound is anticipated. However, the data from July 2020 will remain a standout example of how unpredictable global events can reshape long-standing immigration trends overnight.
According to Maple News, the low intake in July 2020 wasn’t just a statistical blip—it was a snapshot of a nation recalibrating amidst global uncertainty, with long-term ramifications for population growth and labor market dynamics.