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We are all familiar with how well Canada runs its immigration programs. The focussed attention that Canada has given to the economic-class immigrants including skilled workers, business entrepreneurs, international students have sustained its economy and overcome demographic shocks.
However, the ongoing pandemic has affected the immigration numbers. Family sponsorship programs saw a decline of about 78% during the same period as compared to last year while economic-class immigration went down upto 52%. In view of this, a recent survey revealed that Canadians now want to see family reunification to be given priority on par with economic-class immigration.
The Association of Canadian Studies who conducted this survey saw a rise of 6% in the respondents over the 2016 results who wanted the family members of people already in Canada to be given priority for immigration. There remained a steady percentage of support for economic-class immigration between 2016 and 2020.
It is clear that COVID-19 has not impacted Canada’s need for immigration and there is a good chance of rise in immigration levels next year. This survey is also seen as the precursor for the upcoming 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan which is to be released by November 2020. Currently, family class immigration is locked at 91,000 new immigrants annually while economic-class immigration is pegged at increasing constantly every year.
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Over 61% of Canadians believes immigration is vital for economic recovery
The survey also released province-wise sentiments towards immigration. The Canadian regions of Alberta, Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan were reportedly more receptive to family class immigration and wanted it to be treated on par with economic class immigration.
Canada’s Family Class Sponsorship programs allow permanent residents of Canada to bring/sponsor their close family members to Canada. Family relationships including spouses and common-law partners, parents and grandparents, and dependent children usually qualify under this program.
Canada is all set to strengthen its immigration system for post-pandemic economic recovery. In a recently held virtual ministerial conference, federal and provincial immigration ministers met to discuss the importance of international students and attracting immigrants to rural Canadian communities. Talk to one of our consultants to begin planning your immigration to Canada.
