Which countries do Canada’s immigrants come from?

Prior to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, the government of Canada had announced in its immigration plans to invite 341,000 immigrants in 2020, an additional 351,000 in 2021, and welcome another 361,000 immigrants in 2022.

The Coronavirus pandemic seems to have temporarily slowed down the immigration intake in the country. Despite the travel restrictions and lockdowns imposed due to the pandemic, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been trying to provide uninterrupted immigration services for those who are in the process of applying for a Canadian visa or intend to apply for one. The IRCC is working remotely and continues to process visa applications.

Canada continues to amend its immigration policies under the new circumstances to continue the intake of immigrants and support those already staying in Canada.

In fact, according to the latest data released by the IRCC, Canada has welcomed 74,000 new permanent residents till the end of April.

Country-wise distribution of immigrants

India was the leading source of migrants for the first four months of 2020 with nearly 24 percent of PR visas going to Indians. India continues to be the top source country for new PR residents. Out of the record 341,000 immigrants who arrived in Canada in 2019, 25 percent of them belonged to India.

India’s share of immigrants to Canada has increased significantly over the years. The country’s share was only 14 percent in 2014. India has become Canada’s leading source of immigrants owing to the following reasons which meet Canada’s immigration selection criteria:

• Has the second largest population in the world which means a larger pool of immigrants
• Significant middle-class population
• Aspiring migrants with a competent level of education and English proficiency

Here are the top ten source countries that received a PR visa in the first four months of this year:

1. India
2. China
3. Philippines
4. USA
5. Nigeria
6. Pakistan
7. Syria
8. France
9. Iran

• Brazil

Coronavirus restrictions and impact on source countries

There is no doubt that the travel restrictions due to the pandemic are preventing new permanent residents from travelling to Canada from other countries. This could alter the distribution of PR visa holders from immigrant source countries in the ensuing months of 2020.

This could also turn to be the other way round and have no impact on the immigrant source countries because those who receive their PR visas later this year could also be from the same countries and once the travel restrictions are lifted new invitations to apply for the Canadian permanent residence could go to citizens of these countries.

Best time to apply for PR visa

Despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic slowing down the immigration process, the best time to start your visa application process will be now. There is no doubt that there has been a slight decrease in the number of applications due to the Coronavirus pandemic. This can act in your favor and increase the chances of your visa being approved sooner.

Canadian immigration programs like the Express Entry rank candidates based on certain criteria and invite applicants who have the highest score. With a lesser number of applicants now, you have a chance to be ranked among the top applicants and qualify for an ITA. So, the sooner you start the application process, the better are your chances to receive an ITA for Canada PR visa or an approval for one and you can travel to the country once the restrictions are lifted.