Maple News reports that Canada’s government has released its 2020 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, offering critical insights into immigration patterns and policy direction just ahead of implementing the ambitious 2021–2023 Immigration Levels Plan. This annual report outlines the country’s recent immigration landscape while serving as a comprehensive review for both policymakers and the public.
One of the most notable highlights from the report is that Canada welcomed more than 1 million newcomers in 2019. This figure includes over 341,000 new permanent residents, alongside approximately 400,000 international students and another 400,000 individuals issued work permits. These numbers underscore Canada’s continued commitment to being one of the most welcoming countries in the world for immigrants — not only as eventual permanent residents, but also through temporary visa pathways.
Importantly, the report reveals that only a fraction of these newcomers arrived as permanent residents. The majority entered on temporary visas, such as those for study or employment. This emphasizes the growing role of temporary immigration programs as gateways to potential long-term settlement in Canada.
In terms of permanent residency, nearly 60% of those admitted in 2019 fell under the economic class — nearly 200,000 individuals. This category includes skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and immigrants selected for their potential economic contributions. Canada plans to maintain this ratio as it scales up immigration intake under the forthcoming three-year plan.
The 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan proposes annual targets of over 400,000 new permanent residents, marking the highest levels of immigration intake in the country’s modern history. The plan aims to offset the demographic challenges posed by Canada’s aging population and low birth rate, while also supporting economic recovery in the post-pandemic era.
The report also highlights the evolving role of immigration in shaping Canada’s labor market, with international students and skilled temporary workers contributing to key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and agriculture. Many of these individuals may eventually transition to permanent residency, particularly through tools like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program.
Overall, the 2020 Immigration Report reaffirms Canada’s growing reliance on immigration to meet its social and economic goals. As the country prepares to welcome record numbers of immigrants over the next few years, Maple News will continue to monitor policy developments and share insights for those looking to make Canada their future home.