2023 Summed Up: Canada Welcomes Record Number of New Citizens and Residents
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Canada welcomed a record number of new citizens and permanent residents in 2023, exceeding targets and setting new highs. While processing times are improving, the backlog remains, with IRCC implementing solutions to manage it.
Welcome readers! 2023 was a banner year for Canadian immigration, with record-breaking numbers of new citizens and permanent residents welcomed into the country. Let's dive into the details and see what it means for you.
Canada witnessed a significant surge in new citizens in 2023, with 379,448 individuals embracing Canadian citizenship, marking the highest annual intake in the last four years. Here's a detailed breakdown of the notable events and trends in Canadian immigration.
Key Highlights
- Quarterly Trends: The third quarter of 2023 stood out as the peak period, witnessing the welcoming of 104,656 new Canadian citizens, while April marked the lowest uptake with just 15,337 new citizens.
- Global Diversity: People from over 200 countries acquired Canadian citizenship in 2023, showcasing Canada's multicultural identity and welcoming spirit.
- Dominant Nationalities: Indians constituted the largest proportion, approximately 21%, of new Canadian citizens, followed by nationals of the Philippines, Nigeria, Syria, Pakistan, Iran, China, the United States, and France, collectively accounting for 50% of the total.
- Processing Time: The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported an average processing time of 15 months for Canadian citizenship applications over the last six months.
- New Oath of Citizenship: In 2023, a revised oath of Canadian citizenship was introduced, pledging allegiance to King Charles and acknowledging Aboriginal and treaty rights for Indigenous peoples.
Also, read: Canada's Latest Working Holiday Visa Draw Issues 4,570 Invitations to Welcome More International Youths
List of Countries Accounting for the Highest Number of Immigrants
Here’s a list of countries that account for the highest number of immigrants in Canada in recent years.
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Recent Developments by IRCC
Canada surpassed its target by welcoming 471,550 new permanent residents in 2023, demonstrating its commitment to robust immigration policies. It marked a notable increase of 33,950 compared to the 2022 figure of 437,600.
This figure surpasses the target set in the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, which aimed to welcome 465,000 permanent residents. The department assessed candidates from various programs, including Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), along with their families.
Notably, 1,646,300 work permit applications were processed, representing a significant increase of 503,330 over 2022. Similarly, 1,089,600 study permits were finalized, reflecting a year-over-year difference of 171,700. Moreover, IRCC data revealed that 293,000 individuals obtained Canadian citizenship between April 1 and December 31, 2023, marking an increase of 13,900 compared to the same period in 2022.
Explore: Breaking News: IRCC Invites 1,040 Candidates to PR
Looking Ahead
IRCC is poised to meet its 2024 target of welcoming 485,000 new permanent residents, as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan. The department remains focused on reducing the backlog and improving processing efficiency to facilitate smoother immigration processes for applicants.
It has implemented various measures to expedite processing, including prioritizing work permits for essential workers and introducing online portals for permanent residence and citizenship applications.
For more insights and updates on Canadian immigration, stay tuned!
Fast-track Your Canadian PR Journey with GetGIS
In conclusion, Canada's robust immigration policies continue to make it a beacon of opportunity and diversity, welcoming thousands of new citizens and residents each year. As we navigate through the complexities of immigration processes and policies, having the support of a trusted immigration consultant is invaluable.
GetGIS stands out as the ideal immigration consultant, offering personalized guidance and expertise to help individuals smoothly navigate their journey to Canada. Whether you're aspiring to become a Canadian citizen, exploring temporary residence options, or seeking assistance with visa applications, GetGIS is here to support you every step of the way.
FAQs
1. How many individuals residing in Canada hold Canadian citizenship?
Based on the latest official census data from 2021, Canada boasts a population of 33.1 million Canadian citizens, with over 3.7 million holding dual citizenship.
2. What are the requirements for obtaining Canadian citizenship?
To qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident who has resided in Canada for a minimum of three out of the previous five years (equivalent to 1,095 days) and have fulfilled tax obligations.
3. What is the typical processing time for Canadian citizenship applications?
According to recent official reports, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) took an average of 15 months to process 80% of citizenship applications within the last six months.
4. How much does it cost to apply for Canadian citizenship?
The application fee for Canadian citizenship is $630 for adults aged 18 and above, while minors under 18 are charged $100 for their application.
5. Is Canadian citizenship automatically granted to children born in Canada?
Children born in Canada are automatically Canadian citizens, regardless of the nationality of their parents, unless their parents are foreign diplomats or representatives of a foreign government.
