Canada Immigration Year In Review Part 2: PNPs Continue To Grow As Study and Work Permit Numbers Surge

Canada’s immigration records continued to break new ground this year, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is on the path to surpassing its ambitious goal of welcoming 465,000 newcomers.

Among these new permanent residents, 18 percent, or 82,880 individuals, entered through the Federal High Skilled category, which is managed under Express Entry. You can find a comprehensive review of the Express Entry program’s performance for the year in our dedicated report.

This leaves the remaining 82 percent, or 382,120 newcomers, who arrived through various other immigration streams. 

In this overview, we will reflect on the developments and statistics in these diverse categories for the year 2023. 

This includes examining Quebec immigration, the other provinces, Family Class, Business immigration, Caregiver programs, other economic pathways, work permits, study permits and the refugee stream.

QUEBEC IMMIGRATION IN 2023

Quebec’s immigration year was dominated by the continued push by Premier Francois Legault’s Coalition Avenir Quebec to ensure all new immigrants speak French.

Figures for January to November 2023 showed Quebec welcomed 50,190 immigrants. This figure includes what the CAQ calls “rebalancing” – making up for the shortfall of new immigrants seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legault’s CAQ is set to keep the number of newcomers welcomed at 50,000 for the next two years., despite federal government moves to increase immigration.

That total for 2023 included 34,575 economic immigrants, broken down further into 28,720 skilled workers and 5,860 business-class newcomers. 

It also included 9,680 family-class newcomers and 5,055 refugees.

Legault says Quebec cannot welcome more than 50,000 and still be able to maintain its culture. The CAQ has placed the ability to speak French at the front and centre of its immigration policy, arguing the language profile of the province has been eroded and needs to be built back.

In November, Legault also announced plans to introduce a French test for temporary workers.

IMMIGRATION IN OTHER PROVINCES

a) Ontario Immigration

Ontario, as Canada’s most populous province, remains the primary recipient of federal immigrants within the nation. Statistic reports up to November 2023 reveal that Ontario successfully settled 191,570 new immigrants during the initial 11 months of the year, constituting over 44 percent of the nationwide immigrant influx.

Among these newcomers, a portion, numbering 20,465 individuals, accessed Ontario through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). These nominees contributed to Ontario’s overall economic immigrant tally, which exceeded 95,000 newcomers. Within this category, 54,700 individuals were admitted via federal skilled programs, while 18,624 newcomers availed themselves of the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway.

In addition to the economic stream, Ontario extended its hospitality to 52,265 individuals through the family class category and provided support for 36,000 refugees in their settlement endeavors.

Throughout the year, the province diligently conducted regular draws through the OINP, extending invitations to candidates linked to both Express Entry and those expressing provincial Expression of Interest.

Furthermore, Ontario built upon the earlier launch of the Entrepreneur Success Initiative, a strategic program aimed at welcoming 100 business newcomers to regions outside of Toronto, while fostering investments amounting to $20 million in these designated areas.

b) British Columbia Immigration

British Columbia emerged as the second most prominent province in terms of the number of newcomers in 2023. As Canada’s westernmost province, it extended its hospitality to a substantial count of over 64,200 new permanent residents up to November.

Among these arrivals, 38,360 individuals belonged to the economic class, further categorized into 13,080 federal skilled worker newcomers, 15,905 individuals who accessed the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), and 8,840 newcomers who embraced the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway.

Additionally, British Columbia welcomed 16,490 individuals within the family class and provided support to 6,700 refugees throughout the year.

Notably, the BC PNP maintained its position as the most active Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in terms of draws, which included the BC PNP Tech category, specifically designed to expedite the arrival of technology workers, demonstrating the province’s commitment to attracting talent in the technology sector.

c) Alberta Immigration  

In 2023, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program played a pivotal role in welcoming a substantial number of newcomers. Over the course of the initial 11 months of the year, the province successfully received 52,185 newcomers, encompassing an economic contingent of 22,465 individuals.

Within this economic category, there were 6,140 federal skilled workers, 15,630 individuals admitted through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), and an additional 2,700 newcomers who entered via the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway.

In addition to the economic stream, Alberta also extended its hospitality to 13,100 individuals within the family class category, and provided refuge to 12,875 refugees during the same period.

The AAIP maintained a consistent schedule of draws throughout the year, ultimately reaching its allocated nomination quota of 9,750, further contributing to the province’s immigration efforts.

d) Saskatchewan Immigration

In the 11-month period leading up to November, Saskatchewan embraced the arrival of 23,345 new immigrants.

Within this demographic, the economic category took precedence, encompassing 19,770 individuals, predominantly owing to the influence of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), which facilitated the entry of 18,345 newcomers. A modest number of 630 federal skilled workers and 785 individuals through the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway also contributed to the province’s economic immigrant total.

In addition to the economic stream, Saskatchewan accommodated 2,110 individuals within the family class category and extended a welcoming hand to 1,405 refugees during the same timeframe.

The SINP conducted a series of routine draws throughout the year, issuing invitations to both Express Entry-linked candidates and direct provincial nominees based on specified National Occupational Classification codes.

It is noteworthy that Saskatchewan remains eager to assert more control over its immigration intake and consistently advocates for increased authority from the federal government in this regard.

e) Manitoba Immigration

Not far behind Saskatchewan in terms of immigration numbers and sharing a border on the map, Manitoba received a total of 22,760 newcomers during the period spanning from January to November 2023.

In a breakdown similar to Saskatchewan’s, this influx comprised 16,750 individuals in the economic category. Within this category, there were just 785 federal skilled workers, while the majority, 14,165 newcomers, gained entry through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). An additional 1,680 individuals accessed Manitoba via the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway.

Furthermore, the province extended its welcome to 3,165 newcomers through family class programs and provided refuge to 2,600 refugees during the same time frame.

Given the notable proportion of provincial immigrants in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan, it can be argued that the Prairie provinces exert a significant degree of control over the selection and admission of newcomers. The MPNP, being the oldest provincial program in the region, regularly conducts draws targeting skilled workers both within Manitoba and abroad, as well as international graduates, further contributing to the province’s immigration strategy.

f) Nova Scotia Immigration

Nova Scotia, leading among the Atlantic provinces in terms of immigration figures, welcomed a total of 10,490 newcomers during the initial 11 months of 2023.

Within this demographic, 7,965 individuals belonged to the economic class, with 1,865 of them gaining entry through federal programs. Notably, the Atlantic Immigration Program, a collaborative federal-provincial initiative unique to the region, contributed 1,065 out of the 1,865 immigrants in this category.

Nova Scotia also extended its hospitality to 5,140 newcomers through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and facilitated the entry of 925 individuals via the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway.

Additionally, the province welcomed 1,075 family class immigrants and offered refuge to 1,380 refugees during the same period.

Despite the diversity of its immigration streams targeting skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs, it was a relatively subdued year for the NSNP, which conducted only a limited number of draws throughout its various streams.

g) New Brunswick Immigration

New Brunswick, situated adjacent to Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada, received a total of 10,225 newcomers in the initial 11 months of 2023.

Among these newcomers, 8,460 individuals fell within the economic class category, with 1,690 of them gaining entry through federal programs. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot was responsible for 945 of these admissions.

The most substantial component of the province’s economic category comprised almost 5,995 newcomers who accessed New Brunswick via the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). Additionally, the province accommodated 760 candidates through the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway.

h) Newfoundland & Labrador Immigration

Newfoundland & Labrador is arguably the Canadian province that has the most difficulty attracting immigrants.

It welcomed 5,040 newcomers in the first 11 months of 2023, of which 3,740 were through economic streams.

Its 885 federal newcomers were dominated by 740 Atlantic Immigration Program candidates. 

The province also welcomed 2,635 PNP immigrants, 220 TR to PR candidates, 255 in the family class and 1,005 refugees.

i) Prince Edward Island Immigration

At 3,215 newcomers, Prince Edward Island welcomed the fewest number of immigrants of any Canadian province in 2023.

Almost all of them – 2,930 – were through the economic stream, including 2,320 PEI PNP candidates.

Of PEI’s 440 federal economic immigrants, 365 came through the Atlantic Immigration Program.

The province welcomed 135 family class immigrants and 135 refugees.

Despite the low numbers, PEI conducted monthly PNP draws throughout 2023, targeting skilled worker and entrepreneur candidates.

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BUSINESS IMMIGRATION IN 2023

At federal level, Canada’s business immigration offering is focused on the Start-Up Visa and the Self-Employed Class.

Quebec also operates business programs. Its flagship Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) was relaunched on January 1, 2024.

Most provinces although have business options through their PNPs.

a) Start-Up Visa

Canada’s Start-Up Visa is a growing program with huge potential that saw its best year in terms of numbers of new permanent residents in 2023.

It offers permanent residence to candidates with a business idea who can attract funding from a Canadian entity and successfully establish their project here.

In the 11 months to November, 1,145 new immigrants had already come through the program, more than double the total for the same period of 2022.

The federal business portion of the Immigration Levels Plan grows to 5,000 in 2024, to 6,000 in 2024 and 6,000 in 2025. Expect the SUV to grow with it, with a work permit program to get candidates to Canada more quickly in the works.

b) Self-Employed

Canada’s Self-Employed Class welcomed 1,170 newcomers in the 11 months to November, dominated by Ontario (520) and British Columbia (540).

To qualify for the Self-Employed Class, candidates must have:

• self-employment in cultural activities or in athletics; 
• participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics

c) Quebec Business Programs

Despite being on pause to new applications since 2019, Quebec still welcomed 5,680 new permanent residents through the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) in the first 11 months of 2023.

This is an indication of the number of applications in the backlog with the provincial government.

The QIIP was restarted with new requirements on January 1, 2024.

A combined 175 newcomers came in through Quebec’s other business programs, the Quebec Entrepreneur and Quebec Self-Employed.

d) Provincial Entrepreneur Programs

Entrepreneur programs are operated by many of Canada’s provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

They each operate on a two-stage basis, where candidates come in on a work permit and must establish their business before qualifying for permanent residence.

The programs saw varying levels of activity in 2023, with more invitations issued by the bigger provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.

FAMILY CLASS IMMIGRATION IN 2023

Although economic immigration remains Canada’s priority, the Family Class continued to grow in 2023.

Programs for spouses and partners, children and parents and grandparents were all over subscribed as Canada continued to tackle its immigration backlog.

Canada also continued to offer open work permits to spouses and partners while their permanent resident applications were being processed.

a) Spouses, Partners and Children  

Canada welcomed more than 69,000 spouses and partners as permanent residents in the first 11 months of 2023. A further 5,010 children were welcomed in the period.

This total of 74,035 puts it on pace to hit the 78,000 target in the category.

Canada plans to welcome 82,000 newcomers in the category in 20234.

b) Parents and Grandparents

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program is a regular source of controversy, given how many citizens and permanent residents want to bring in their family members.

The lottery nature of the application process can leave candidates wondering if they will ever get that coveted invitation to apply.

IRCC has not opened the Interest to Sponsor pool since 2020, meaning ITAs issued in the last four rounds have been to those who expressed their interest at that time.

Canada planned to welcome 28,500 parents and grandparents in 2023, and in the first 11 months 26,620 new permanent residents came in through the program. That puts it well on track to achieve its goal.

The category will expand to 32,000 in 2024 and 34,000 in 2025 and 2026.

Candidates who do not receive an ITA for the permanent residence program can also consider the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa. The length of stay under the program was extended in 2022 to five years, extendable by two years, meaning candidates can stay for up to sevens years at a time.

CAREGIVER IMMIGRATION

Canada’s caregiver immigration system includes the Home Child-Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot, both of which have a pathway to permanent residence once two years of Canadian work experience is accrued. Applications for both reopened on January 1, 2024.

Applications are also received from legacy programs including the Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs pilots, the Interim Pathway For Caregivers, which opened and closed in 2019, and the Live-In Caregiver Program.

In the first 11 months of 2023, Canada welcomed 2,790 new permanent residents through the various caregiver streams.

OTHER IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS

Canada has three further immigration programs or pilots to bring in immigrants to specific regions or in specific occupations. 

They are Atlantic Immigration Program, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot and Agri-Food Pilot.

These are employer-led, meaning the employer identifies the need and offers a job, before bringing the person in using the program.

The AIP is now an established immigration program that has become extremely important to the Atlantic region. It has categories for high-skilled and intermediate skilled workers, as well as international graduates.

Canada welcomed 3,115 new permanent residents through the AIP in the first 11 months of 2023.

The RNIP operates in 11 communities with specific immigration needs. Each community has its own requirements, and candidates must also meet general federal requirements.

Participating communities:

• North Bay, ON
• Sudbury, ON
• Timmins, ON
• Sault Ste. Marie, ON
• Thunder Bay, ON
• Brandon, MB
• Altona/Rhineland, MB
• Moose Jaw, SK
• Claresholm, AB
• Vernon, BC
• West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC

Canada welcomed 2,475 newcomers through the program in the first 11 months of 2023.

The Agri-Food Pilot targets specific industries, as its name suggests.

Those industries are:

1) Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)

• NOC 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale
• NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
• NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
• NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
• NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
• NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing

2) Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)

• NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
• NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
• NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers

3) Animal production, excluding aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124 or 1129)

• NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
• NOC 85100 – Livestock labourers
• NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers

Canada welcomed 1,330 newcomers through the program in 2023.

WORK PERMITS

Canada boosted the number of work permits it issued under both the International Mobility Program and Temporary Foreign Worker Program in 2023.

Most of Canada’s work permits are issued through the IMP. Employers do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment when hiring through the program. It includes those entering through trade agreements, on open work permits and intra company transferees.

Figures show 719,910 work permits were issued under the IMP in the first 11 months of 2023, up from nearly 428,500 in the same period of 2022, an increase of 68 percent.

Fewer work permits are issued through the TFWP, in positions which require an LMIA. Canada’s Global Talent Stream for tech workers falls under the TFWP. It also has high wage, low wage and seasonal agriculture streams.

There were 177,090 new work permits issued through the stream in the first 11 months of 2023, up from 129,000 in the same period of 2022, an increase of 37 percent.

Temporary to permanent residence transition remains an established way to immigrate to Canada. Candidates can gather the experience needed while here on a work permit to allow them to qualify for one of the permanent residence programs.

During COVID-19, the TR to PR Pathway made this even easier.

Figures show 143,060 of Canada’s new permanent residents in the first 11 months of 2023 were previously work permit holders under either the IMP or TFWP, compared to 102,000 in the same period of 2022, an increase of 40 percent.

STUDY PERMITS

Canada continues to covet international students and continues to increase the number of study permits it issues. New rules on the financial requirements for students could see figures drop in 2024.

Figures show Canada issued 579,075 new study permits in the first 11 months of 2023, up from 458,650 in the same period of 2022. 

Canada also promotes a pathway to permanent residence for international students. The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows students to stay and work after graduation, which can lead to them qualifying for permanent residence.

The pathway is by no means guaranteed. In the first 11 months of 2023, just over 23,000 former study permit holders became permanent residents of Canada.

International students were a source of controversy during the year due to their use of food banks. Miller announced towards the end of the year that financial requirements to study in Canada would be doubled to more than $20,000, which came into force on January 1, 2024.

CITIZENSHIP

Citizenship applications are among those affected by Canada’s recent processing backlog.

In the first 11 months of 2023, 354,231 people became new Canadians, just more than the 351,486 who became citizens in the same period of 2022.

To qualify for citizenship, a permanent resident must have been physically present in Canada for three years in the last five and have paid taxes in those years.