Canada Saw Surge In Spousal Immigration In 2023

Canada study permit cap won’t immediately drive down rental costs, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta shine in retaining immigrants, Ontario demands one third of international student pool.

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In this week’s issue, Canada study permit cap won’t immediately drive down rental costs, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta shine in retaining immigrants, Ontario demands one third of international student pool.

Canada Saw Surge In Spousal Immigration In 2023

Far more spouses and common-law partners arrived in Canada as immigrants last year than in 2022, according to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

📈 Strong Growth in 2023
In 2023, Canada welcomed 75,185 new permanent residents through the spousal sponsorship program, marking a significant increase of 17.2% from the previous year. This surge in immigration through the program outpaced the overall immigration growth of the country, which rose by 7.8%. 

🌍Regional Highlights
Ontario, Canada's most populous province, led the way by welcoming 39,820 spouses as new permanent residents in 2023. However, other provinces and territories also saw notable numbers:

  • Alberta: 10,290

  • British Columbia: 12,670

  • Quebec: 6,995

📊 Provincial Surges and Declines
Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta experienced significant increases in spousal sponsorships. Even Yukon and the Northwest Territories saw growth in spousal sponsorships. However, Quebec witnessed a decline of 23.7%.

💖 Support and Commitment
When a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsors their spouse or common-law partner, they commit to providing financial support for their basic needs, including healthcare. This commitment remains steadfast regardless of changes in circumstances.

⏳ Processing Improvements
The processing time for sponsorship applications has significantly improved, now down to 12 months for spouses living outside of Quebec, compared to 20 months in 2022. This includes biometric processing and eligibility assessments.

TRENDING NEWS

  • Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta shine in retaining immigrants, fostering a sense of belonging. Statistics Canada reveals high five-year retention rates for immigrants settling in these provinces. Even Atlantic Canada shows improvement, with programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program aiding retention. Canada's immigration policies ensure skilled workers contribute to local economies, nurturing a diverse and inclusive society. Read more

  • Ontario universities advocate for 35% of international students in the province amidst a cap on study permits. The Council of Ontario Universities seeks a fair allocation based on each university's enrollment share. Despite efforts to manage growth responsibly, experts suggest the cap may not alleviate housing costs. Read more

  • IRCC Minister Marc Miller plans to meet colleagues in Nova Scotia to discuss the recent two-year cap on study permits, which limits 2024 international student numbers to 360,000. The cap aims to address housing issues and prevent exploitation by some colleges. Provinces must regulate institutions to uphold program integrity. Read more

  • Canada is making it simpler for internationally educated health professionals to immigrate to Yukon. The government is investing $3.65 million to speed up their accreditation process. This project aims to create a Yukon licensing system and support centre, helping newcomers integrate into the healthcare sector. Similar initiatives are being rolled out across Canada to address labor shortages in healthcare. Read more

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FEATURED PODCAST

In today's episode of “My Great Canada”, we delve into two key topics: the impact of Minister Marc Miller's study permit cap and rural immigration policies. Despite the cap, rents won't immediately drop due to sustained international student demand. Yet, concerns linger over work hour restrictions and their effect on wages. Meanwhile, rural Canada faces population decline, prompting initiatives like the RNIP to revitalize communities. Join us as we navigate Canada's evolving immigration landscape.

FEATURED VIDEO

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