Global migration to Canada hits record high 82%, this was the first time that Canada and the world, has seen such a high immigration rate to Canada. This record breaking immigration to Canada was seen in the second quarter of this year. As a result of this, in the 2nd quarter of this year, the population of Canada rose by 168,687. Out of this, 138,978 or 82%, was the result of international migration to Canada.
Primary Reason For Population Growth In Canada
Fact is, it is this very international migration that was responsible for the growth of the population in Canada, both on a provincial level, as well as on a national level, in the 2nd quarter of 2018.
An increase in international migration is calculated by adding the number of net non-permanent residents, returning emigrants and the amount of immigrants that arrive in Canada, subtracted by the immigrants leaving from Canada and the net temporary immigration. Statistics Canada (a Canada government agency), revealed that other than the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Labrador, Newfoundland and Alberta, the number of international migrants to Canada, “either peaked or has rarely been this high.”
Rising Canadian Immigration Numbers
Canada has in place what is known as a multiyear immigration plan. As per this plan, the number of immigrants that will most probably be invited to Canada in the year 2018, is 310,000. In the year 2019, this number is expected to be 330,000. In the year 2020, this number is supposed to be 340,000. Under Canada’s rules for refugees, family class immigration and their economic immigration program, it is estimated that by the year 2020, around 1 million immigrants will have entered Canada.
There is a point system that allows people to immigrate to Canada. As such, one is required to get a minimum of 67 points, to qualify to be an immigrant to Canada. Unlike many other countries, to migrate to Canada, one does not need to have a job offer. One can also apply to immigrate to Canada as an immigrant investor, for this one has to invest a minimum of CAD $800,000.
Increase In The Number Of Non-Permanent Residents
During the 2nd quarter of 2018, the number of non-permanent residents in Canada shot up to 60,446. According to Statistics Canada, this was considered to be “significantly higher than those observed in recent years.” Canada attributed this rise in the number of non-permanent residents in Canada, to refugee claimants, study permit holders and also the increase in the number of work permit holders.
On the flip side, in a three month period, Canada experienced 67,997 deaths, which was a record number in itself. Fact is, a natural decrease in the population (more deaths, rather than births) of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were seen. Albeit, the increased number of immigrants to Canada in the 2nd quarter of 2018, was offset by the number of deaths. Also, in the 2nd quarter of 2018, the increase in the natural population of Canada (births minus deaths), was estimated to be around 29,709. This was in fact the 3rd lowest to be recorded, in the 2nd quarter of 2018.
Canada Updates Its Immigration Rules
Canada has now updated its immigration policy. As such, it has been officially quoted that, “The IRCC (Immigration refugee and Citizenship Canada) has revised a major step on 26th June 2018, by reducing the time deadline for documentation submission after an ITA (Invitation To Apply), from 90 days to 60 days.”
In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there was an unprecedented increase in the number of non-permanent residents to Canada, with Ontario having the largest at 28,329. Quebec seeing the 2nd highest number at 19,506 and British Columbia having the 3rd largest number at 8,189.
Andy Roberts is a seasoned journalist with nearly 9 years experience. While studying journalism at Ryerson, Annie found a passion for finding engaging stories. As a contributor to White Pine Tribune, Annie mostly covers provincial and national developments..
