In a significant achievement, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data highlights Canada surpassing its targeted intake for permanent residents in 2023. Based on the latest IRCC backlog data in 2023, the department welcomed 471,550 new permanent residents, marking an increase of 33,950 from the previous year's intake of 437,600.
According to the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, the target was 465,000 individuals for permanent resident (PR) status. However, the evaluation of applicants from Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), as well as spouses, partners, and children, collectively contributed to the increase in the number of individuals attaining this status.
IRCC also released statistics regarding the finalization of temporary residence applications. It's important to note that these figures represent the total number of decisions made on candidate applications, including approvals and rejections. Let us see the breakdown into different categories:
IRCC considered 1,646,300 applications, including extensions, indicating an increase of 503,330 from 2022. These applications cover the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and International Mobility Program.
In 2023, a total of 1,089,600 study permits, including extensions, were finalized by IRCC. This reflects a significant increase of 171,700 compared to the previous year's 917,900 final decisions on study permits, signaling a thriving interest in education and opportunities in Canada.
IRCC data indicates that 293,000 newcomers were granted Canadian citizenship between April 1 and December 31, 2023. This marks an increase of 13,900 over the corresponding period in 2022, with 279,100 individuals obtaining citizenship.
Unlike previous years, where immigration numbers fluctuated, IRCC welcomes a consistent flow of new permanent residents in 2023, signifying its progress towards the 2024 target of 485,000. Looking ahead, for the subsequent two years, 2025 and 2026, IRCC plans to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents.
Annually, IRCC releases the Immigration Levels Plan for the forthcoming three years, setting targets for permanent resident admissions to Canada. Notably, the Plan doesn't include targets for temporary residents like those on work or study permits.
IRCC does not impose a cap on the number of permanent residents admitted to Canada or the processing of their applications. However, on January 22, IRCC introduced a cap on issuing study permits for 2024. The department announced its intent to issue only 360,000 new study permits, although no cap was specified for permit renewals or new permits for graduate-level students.
As per ministerial instructions released by IRCC on February 1, the department will consider a maximum of 606,250 study permit applications in 2024. This means that over the next 11 months, IRCC will limit itself to processing this set number of study permit applications, regardless of the outcome of each application.
Furthermore, the instructions specify that this new cap on study permits accepted for processing may be "amended in accordance with any subsequent instructions the minister may provide." This implies the minister may adjust the cap accordingly if IRCC does not reach the 360,000 approved study permit application cap within the processing limit.
IRCC is mandated to process 80% of immigration applications within specified service standards, representing the department's designated processing timeframes. By December 31, 2023, IRCC had 2,221,100 applications in its inventory, with 949,500 classified as backlog cases.
These service standards vary depending on the type of application. For instance, Express Entry applications typically have a service standard of six months, while family class sponsorship applications may take up to 12 months. Applications that exceed these service standards are categorized as backlog cases.
Within IRCC's inventory of applications, there are 702,000 permanent residence applications, of which 308,900 are categorized as backlogged. This means that 44% of permanent residency applications are awaiting processing beyond the expected service standards.
Out of the 1,257,000 applications in inventory for work permits, study permits, and temporary resident (visitor) visas, 590,800 are currently in backlog.
Interestingly, 61% of visitor visa applications, 18% of study permit applications, and 49% of work permit applications were in backlog as of December 31, 2023.
Under this category, there were 262,100 citizenship applications in inventory, with 49,800 or 19% categorized as backlog as of December 2023.
The proactive approach by IRCC in implementing innovative measures has been instrumental in reducing backlog and streamlining processing. IRCC aims to expedite applications and enhance service delivery by prioritizing key sectors and leveraging technology. Following are the key measures:
Surpassing the target outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 shows Canada's commitment to immigration and its ability to adapt to evolving needs. Through strategic measures and innovative approaches, IRCC continues to navigate challenges, reduce backlogs, and enhance processing efficiency. All these crucial measures affirm Canada's status as a welcoming destination for immigrants looking to make it their home.
The article offers general information and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Seek guidance from a professional advisor for specific assistance. While we aim for accuracy, we cannot guarantee complete precision. Author opinions may change over time. ImmiLaw Global and its affiliates do not explicitly or implicitly endorse third-party advice, opinions, information, products, or services.
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