Canada welcomed just under 15,100 new immigrants in October 2020, about the same figure it welcomed in September.
The new Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data shows that October was the second strongest month for new immigrant arrivals to Canada since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, Canada’s immigration levels remain significantly lower due to the pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, Canada welcomed some 25,000-35,000 new immigrants per month.
In October 2019, Canada welcomed 31,000 immigrants, meaning that immigration has more than halved on a year-over-year basis.
Canada has welcomed about 158,600 immigrants in the first 10 months of 2020 which strongly suggests it will fall short of 200,000 arrivals by the end of the year for the first time since 1999. Canada welcomed over 341,000 total last year and was aiming to welcome the same level in 2020 before the pandemic hit.
The strongest month during the pandemic came in June when Canada admitted 19,100 new permanent residents.
Lower immigration to Canada is due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, challenges in confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) holders coming to Canada, and Canada’s coronavirus travel restrictions.
