Citizenship and Immigration Canada recently released a few preliminary statistics regarding immigration to Canada in 2009.
Canada Immigration Statistics for 2009
The range of immigrants to be accepted into Canada set forth by the federal government for the year was between 240,000 and 265,000 permanent residencies, and 252,124 new permanent residents were admitted to the country in 2009. This number was a historical high, about 30,000 immigrants higher than most years in the 1990s.
Statistics Show Immigration Supports Economic Recovery
Additionally, 85,131 foreign students and 178,640 temporary foreign workers were also admitted to Canada. Both of these categories provide further options to immigrants, who may either apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class program or be nominated to stay through provincial programs.
“Momentum toward a full economic recovery continued throughout 2009, and immigration will continue to support that momentum. The Government of Canada is maintaining immigration levels to meet Canada’s short-, medium- and long-term economic needs, help offset our aging population and low birthrate, and sustain our workforce,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.
Canada Immigration Statistics Push Positive Growth
As somewhat noted by Minister Kenney, fears about Canada’s aging population that is comprised of many soon-to-retire baby boomers has made it even more important to welcome more immigrants to Canada to offset the problems the workforce may experience in the coming decade.
22,844 refugees were also accepted in 2009, and if the refugee reform proposal is made a reality the number of those who are government assisted (7,425 in 2009) or privately sponsored (5,036 in 2009) should increase by approximately 20 per cent.
Join Canada’s Growing Immigrant Community
For those who believe that Canada benefits from immigration as I do, hopefully 2010 will be another positive year! Interested in immigrating to Canada? Contact us now, we can help!
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
