Canada hits record numbers for immigration in 2010

Last year, Canada admitted the highest number of immigrants in over 50 years. 280,636 immigrants became permanent residents of Canada in 2010, more than 6% of what was originally expected. Most of the newcomers were skilled workers.

Of the more than 280,000 newcomers to Canada, 182,322 were temporary workers and 96,147 were foreign students. This was a substantial increase from the 28,292 students admitted into Canada in 2005. The Government of Canada has estimated that over $6.5 billion is contributed to Canada’s economy every year by foreign students. Canada also saw an increase of 63% for government-assisted refugees and privately sponsored refugees.

“While other Western countries cut back on immigration during the recession, our government kept legal immigration levels high. Canada’s post-recession economy demands a high level of economic immigration to keep our economy strong. In 2010, we welcomed the highest number of permanent residents in the past 50 years to support Canada’s economic recovery,” stated Immigration Minister Jason Kenney.

“Since 2006, our government has allowed for the provincial nominee program to expand significantly, from 8,047 people in 2005 to 36,419 in 2011,” he added.

The two countries with the highest number of people immigrating to Canada were China and India. An average of over 35,000 Indians arrive in Canada each year.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is aiming to reduce immigration numbers by 5% next year and a change to the current Federal Skilled Worker Program is expected to be announced within the coming months.

See if you qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program before changes occur to the program. Fill out a free immigration assessment form!