Canada Achieves Historic Levels of Newcomers in 2022

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Canada’s Record-Breaking Year for Immigration

Canada’s rapid recovery from the pandemic is largely credited to its progressive immigration strategy. Newcomers are vital to our communities, driving economic growth by creating jobs and supporting local enterprises. In 2022, the Government of Canada ambitiously set a target to welcome 431,645 new permanent residents.

On January 3, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, confirmed that Canada successfully hit this target, surpassing previous records. This achievement marks the highest number of immigrants welcomed in a single year in Canadian history since 1913.

Achievements and Future Plans

This milestone was made possible by the dedicated efforts of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) staff, who processed about 5.2 million applications for permanent and temporary residence, as well as citizenship, in 2022. This is double the number processed in the previous year.

Looking ahead, IRCC plans to maintain these historic levels of immigration. To support this, the department has increased resources, adopted new technologies, and streamlined processes. These advancements are crucial for Canada’s immigration framework, aimed at resolving labor shortages and promoting economic stability.

Quotes from the Minister of Immigration

“Today marks an important milestone for Canada, setting a new record for newcomers welcomed in a single year. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our country and its people. Newcomers play an essential role in filling labour shortages, bringing new perspectives and talents to our communities, and enriching our society as a whole. I am excited to see what the future holds and look forward to another historic year in 2023 as we continue to welcome newcomers.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Key Immigration Facts

• Canada’s annual immigration numbers are based on the Immigration Levels Plan tabled in Parliament.
• The 2022-2024 Immigration Levels Plan was announced on February 14, 2022, followed by the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan on November 1, 2022.
• Immigration drives nearly all of Canada’s labor force growth and accounts for about 75% of population growth. By 2036, immigrants could make up 30% of the population, up from 20.7% in 2011.
• The worker-to-retiree ratio is expected to shift from 7:1 fifty years ago to 2:1 by 2035, highlighting the need for continued immigration.
• According to the 2021 Census, nearly 25% of people in Canada were or had been landed immigrants or permanent residents, the highest proportion since Confederation.
• Between 2016 to 2021, over 1.3 million new immigrants settled in Canada, a record number according to census data.
• Immigrants constitute 36% of physicians, 33% of business owners with paid staff, and 41% of engineers in Canada.
• The government allocated an additional $50 million in 2022-23 to IRCC to tackle application backlogs and expedite the arrival of skilled newcomers.

Related Links

• New immigration plan to fill labour market shortages and grow Canada’s economy
• An Immigration Plan to Grow the Economy
• A stronger immigration system that better serves newcomers
• 2022-2024 Immigration Levels Plan and Supplementary Information
• 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan and Supplementary Information
• Immigration Matters
• Canada marks record-breaking year for processing immigration applications

Media Contacts

For media inquiries only:

Bahoz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Bahoz.DaraAziz@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Canada’s immigration target for 2022?

In 2022, Canada aimed to welcome 431,645 new permanent residents, and successfully achieved this goal.

How many applications did IRCC process in 2022?

IRCC processed approximately 5.2 million applications for permanent and temporary residence and citizenship in 2022, doubling the number from 2021.

What is the significance of immigration for Canada?

Immigration is crucial for Canada’s labor force and population growth, accounting for nearly 100% of labor force expansion and 75% of population increase.

To learn more about Canada’s immigration plans, Read our immigration guide.