Maple News reports that Canada welcomed 37,780 new permanent residents in August 2021, maintaining a strong upward trend in immigration levels for the third consecutive month. This sustained momentum follows 40,000 newcomers in July and nearly 36,000 in June, considerably higher than pre-pandemic monthly averages of 25,000 to 35,000.
These elevated figures mark a significant rebound from the early pandemic months, when stringent public health measures sharply curtailed immigration. With Canada targeting a record 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021 under its Immigration Levels Plan 2021–2023, each month’s performance is being closely watched.
By the end of August, Canada had landed approximately 222,000 newcomers — just over halfway to its ambitious annual target. To meet this goal, Canada would need to bring in around 179,000 more permanent residents between September and December, averaging roughly 45,000 per month.
Despite the challenge, immigration authorities remain optimistic. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced bold strategies throughout 2021 to help meet the target. In February, IRCC hosted the largest Express Entry draw in history, inviting 27,332 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates—most of whom were already residing in Canada—to apply for permanent residence.
Express Entry draws remained substantial throughout the year, with a continued focus on CEC candidates. This approach minimizes pandemic-related disruptions, such as delayed travel or document processing, due to the candidates’ existing presence in Canada.
Additionally, in May, IRCC introduced six new temporary streams allowing up to 90,000 temporary residents—primarily essential workers and international graduates already in Canada—to apply for permanent residence. This initiative further supports the government’s plan by leveraging the existing population.
According to an internal IRCC memo obtained through a government information request, these measures are part of a coordinated effort to strategically achieve Canada’s 2021 immigration objectives despite global health challenges.
The combination of increased domestic transitions to permanent status and a streamlined Express Entry strategy demonstrates Canada’s evolving approach to managing immigration in a pandemic-era world—balancing public health concerns with economic and demographic priorities.