Canada has once again reaffirmed its reputation as a welcoming nation, having embraced over 400,000 new permanent residents in 2023.
According to the latest figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the country surpassed its initial target of admitting 465,000 permanent residents by welcoming a total of 471,550 individuals.
Indians Top the Charts
Of these newly minted permanent residents, Indians accounted for the largest portion, with over 130,000 Indians receiving Canadian permanent residency.
The substantial influx from India reflects the strong ties between the two nations and the opportunities Canada offers for skilled professionals and families seeking a better life.
Other Notable Source Countries
While India led the pack, Canada’s diverse immigrant landscape was further illustrated by the inclusion of citizens from China, the Philippines, Afghanistan, and Nigeria among the top sources of new permanent residents.
The country’s inclusive immigration policies continue to attract individuals from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.
Top Sources of New PR in Canada (2023)
Following India, China (31,765), the Philippines (26,950), Afghanistan (20,165), and Nigeria (17,445) rounded out the top five source countries for new Canadian permanent residents in 2023.
- India: 139,715
- China: 31,765
- Philippines: 26,950
- Afghanistan: 20,165
- Nigeria: 17,445
Also Read: Visa Woes? Your Guide to Re-Entering Canada with a Pending Work Permit
Continuous Growth in Canadian Citizenship
Highlighting the trend of integration and belonging, IRCC reported that nearly 293,000 newcomers obtained Canadian citizenship between April 1 and December 31, 2023. This figure represents a significant increase of 13,900 individuals compared to the same period in the previous year.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Canada remains committed to its ambitious immigration targets, with plans to welcome half a million new permanent residents by 2026. Building on the success of 2023, IRCC is on track to meet its objectives, further enriching the country’s cultural fabric and workforce.
Shifts in Immigration Trends
Reflecting on previous years, the composition of new permanent residents has evolved. In 2022, India, the Philippines, Syria, Pakistan, Nigeria, China, the US, France, and Italy were the leading sources of new permanent residents.
Notably, there has been an increase in emigration from China, Afghanistan, and Nigeria over the past year, underscoring the dynamic nature of global migration patterns.
As Canada continues to open its doors to individuals seeking new opportunities and experiences, the nation stands as a beacon of diversity and inclusion on the international stage.
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