By Adiba Hasan

IRCC released the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan in November 2023, setting its PR admissions target at 485,000 in 2024 before levelling at 500,000 for 2025 and 2026. The latest data on the ICC’s Immigration Dashboard indicates that in January and February 2024, IRCC managed to admit 18% of its immigration target, which represents a 3% decline from the same period in 2023.

Increases in immigration following the pandemic have sparked intense debates about the impact of higher levels on a variety of issues such as housing and healthcare. In response, the government seems to be attempting to strike a balance by introducing “soft caps” for immigration groups such as temporary workers and international students, which were previously not subject to limits. While these new limits on temporary residents are established, as well as a levelling off of PR admissions at 500,000 in 2025 and 2026, the precise impact on issues such as housing and healthcare remains to be seen.

The chart below illustrates that while Canada saw a 20% increase in new citizens in the first two months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, permanent resident (PR) admissions saw a 14% decrease over the same period.

Fewer Invitations to Apply (ITAs) and Higher CRS Scores

IRCC issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA) after a candidate successfully submits their PR application through the Express Entry system. Express Entry employs a Comprehensive Ranking System, a point-based system that gives candidates a score of 1,200 points based on their age, education, language proficiency, and work experience among other criteria. IRCC reviews and selects candidates that fit specific economic immigration programs, such as Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs.

According to earlier draws in the Express Entry pool, scores for General applications that received an ITA were between 400-500 points, with the lowest CRS score requiring 75 points in post-pandemic 2021. However, the bar was raised in 2024, with successful applicants needing a score of above 500 points to receive an ITA, reflecting one of the many ways the government is trying to tighten immigration selection standards.

Further suggesting a more selective approach to immigration through Express Entry, there’s been a notable decrease of 21% of ITAs issued in 2024. Compared to the first four months of 2023, where IRCC issued 41,059 ITAs, the total ITA issued in 2024 is 32,395.

Navigating the Backlog

IRCC’s backlog tracker indicates that 58% of applications are being processed within the established standard time, with the remaining 42% exceeding service standards.

The graph below illustrates the fluctuations of applications in backlogs. Between June to December 2023, the citizenship backlog decreased by 6% whereas PR application backlogs decreased by 3%. Notably, there was a reduction of 36,800 citizenship applications between June to December 2023, and PR applications decreased by 1,000 while the backlog rate decreased slowly. By contrast, the backlog for temporary resident visas (including study and work permits; TRV) increased by 14% in 2023, even though total application numbers decreased from 1,300,000 in July 2023 to 1,256,600 in December 2023.

The graph below indicates a steady decrease in the percentage of citizenship applications in backlog, but it is also the group with the lowest number of applications when compared to PR and TRV application numbers.

Share Your Thoughts

So far, the data for 2024 show fewer ITA’s being issued and a decrease in PRs being admitted, along with a very slow progress in working through backlogged applications. As we track the changes and continue to provide analysis of the changing immigration trends through the ICC Immigration Dashboard, here are two questions to ponder:

• Should alternative immigration streams be added to an already overwhelmed Express Entry system?
• Will a decrease in immigration levels have the intended impact on housing and healthcare strains, or will new challenges emerge?

Stay informed about the latest immigration trends with the ICC’s immigration dashboard. Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here. 

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Diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths, and on April 12, 2024, this sentiment was celebrated at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony, marking a significant milestone for 48 individuals from 33 different countries as they were warmly welcomed into the Canadian family by Judge Hardish Dhaliwal. 

At the heart of this ceremony was a celebration of diversity, with a special focus on Sikh heritage. The Ontario Science Centre provided the perfect backdrop for this occasion, symbolizing innovation, inclusivity, and the spirit of community. 

The ceremony was enriched by the presence of incredible individuals who contributed to its success. Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre, delivered inspiring congratulatory remarks to the candidates. Grandmother Kim Wheatley graced the ceremony with her incredible performance and land acknowledgment, infusing the event with deep meaning and reverence for Indigenous heritage. Israel Fashola’s moving rendition of the national anthem filled the room with pride and patriotism. 

As we reflect on this cultural celebration of Canadian citizenship, let us be inspired by the spirit of diversity and inclusion. Let us continue to embrace and celebrate the richness of our multicultural heritage.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

Since its inception, Canoo has unlocked Canada for almost 500,000 newcomers, providing free admission to museums, galleries, festivals, concerts, and other experiences across the country. In this quarterly Canoo Insights Report, we are excited to share how Canoo allows members to explore Canada.

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Canoo offers members unparalleled access to venues across Canada. Members can visit world-class museums, galleries, national parks, and more – all free or heavily discounted. Canoo unlocks local communities for members, offering opportunities for them to make long-lasting connections.

Canoo to Other Provinces

For many Canoo members, the app offers something more: the opportunity to explore beyond their province of residence and discover all that Canada has to offer.

In 2023, thousands of Canoo members travelled outside their province of residence and visited Canoo venues across Canada.

Canoo Visits 2023

As summer unfolds across Canada, it brings a vibrant array of outdoor activities, festivals, and gatherings. Naturally, Canoo visits peak in the summer months. Out-of-province visits follow a similar pattern, demonstrating Canoo’s popularity during the summer holidays when families can travel more easily.

Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors by Province 2023

In the chart below, Quebec stands out for receiving the most out-of-province visitors. Although the overall number of out-of-province visitors was highest in Quebec, the following regional assessments demonstrate higher rates of out-of-province visitors in some smaller provinces, particularly in Atlantic Canada.

Regional Assessment

Western Canada

Western Canada received high rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023. It’s no wonder that so many Canoo members choose to travel to visit these incredible provinces. From seeing the world’s largest T. rex in Saskatchewan to skiing in Banff to whale watching in the Pacific, Western Canada has a lot to offer. Hover over the charts below to see how many Canoo members visited each province.

Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Western Canada 2023

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Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023

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Alberta: Royal Tyrrell Museum

In 2023, the Royal Tyrrell Museum welcomed 1909 Canoo visitors from outside of Alberta, including 1104 adult Canoo members with a total of 805 children.

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British Columbia: Science World

In 2023, Science World welcomed 2178 Canoo members from outside of BC, including 1252 adults with a total of 926 children.

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Saskatchewan: Western Development Museum – 1910 Boomtown

In 2023, the Western Development Museum – 1910 Boomtown welcomed 89 Canoo members from outside of Saskatchewan, including 50 adults with a total of 39 children.

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Central Canada

In Central Canada, Quebec received notably high rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023. This is no surprise considering the incredible culture and nature in Quebec, in addition to the province’s proximity to 100,000+ Canoo members based in Ontario.

Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Central Canada 2023

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Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023

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Manitoba: Canadian Museum for Human Rights

In 2023, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights welcomed 275 Canoo members from outside of Manitoba, including 197 adults with a total of 78 children.

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Ontario: Royal Ontario Museum

In 2023, the Royal Ontario Museum welcomed 1819 Canoo members from outside of Ontario, inclduing 1213 adults with a total of 606 children.

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Quebec: Biodôme

In 2023, the Biodôme welcomed 6389 Canoo members from outside of Quebec, including 3963 adults with a total of 2426 children.

Atlantic Canada

Across Canada, the highest rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023 were recorded in the Atlantic region. These provinces offer a wide range of culture, history, and outdoor experiences all within close geographic range; it’s no wonder so many Canoo members choose to travel out east!

Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Atlantic Canada 2023

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Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023

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New Brunswick: Beaverbrook Art Gallery

In 2023, Beaverbrook Art Gallery welcomed 61 Canoo members from outside of New Brunswick, including 35 adults with a total of 26 children.

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Newfoundland and Labrador: The Rooms

In 2023, The Rooms welcomed 114 Canoo members from outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, including 86 adults with a total of 28 children.

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Nova Scotia: Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

In 2023, The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic welcomed 734 Canoo members from outside of Nova Scotia, including 482 adults with a total of 252 children.

If you enjoyed reading this report, explore our previous editions of the Canoo Insights Report! Discover more about the invaluable partnerships and stories of Canoo members:

• Canoo Insights Report: Part 1
• Canoo Insights Report: Part 2
• Canoo Insights Report: Part 3 Canoo Women Members
• Canoo Insights report: Part 4 Happy Canoo-versary!

As Canoo continues to improve and expand, our quarterly reports aim to provide insights into Canoo, the diverse individuals it serves, and the meaningful partnerships that bring Canoo to life for newcomers.

To stay informed about the latest developments at the ICC, please subscribe here and follow us to get upcoming content from Ideas & Insights at ICC.

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On March 13, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship held an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony at the stunning National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario themed around the celebration of arts and culture.

The National Gallery of Canada, nestled in our nation’s capital, is renowned for its vast collection of Canadian and international art. Its Scotiabank Great Hall provided an exquisite backdrop of Parliament Hill as we welcomed 40 new citizens from 13 different countries into the Canadian family.

A highlight of the ceremony was the moving performance by John Virag, who captivated our guests with his bagpipe melodies. His music served as a poignant reminder of the timeless ability of artistic expression to bridge tradition and modernity.

Among our special guests, Marc Forgette of Makatew Workshops opened the ceremony with a morning prayer and a few words emphasizing the importance of new citizens acquainting themselves with the Indigenous history of these lands. Following Marc’s insightful remarks, guest speaker Kathryn Lyons from the Gallery extended a heartfelt welcome to the new citizens before Samar El Faki led them in their inaugural rendition of O Canada.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

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Nestled along the picturesque shores of Vancouver, British Columbia, the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse set the stage for a truly special occasion on December 6, 2023. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific, the ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony unfolded with a theme that echoed the spirit of the season. In this unique space, 35 individuals from 14 different countries came together to embark on their Canadian journey.

The decision to host the ceremony at the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific coastline, was deliberate and meaningful. This iconic venue symbolizes the spirit of community and the shared values of inclusivity and diversity that define Canada.

To conclude the ceremony, Jeff Bryant delivered a wonderful performance of the song “What a Wonderful World,” adding a beautiful musical touch before leading the new citizens in singing the national anthem.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

By Adiba Hasan

As immigration continues to be the central debate in Canadian politics, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) admitted 471, 550 new permanent residents (PR) in 2023, surpassing the targeted PR admissions.

Citizenship in 2023

While policies emphasize the admission of temporary residents and new PRs, citizenship tends to receive less attention. The ICC has taken the lead on tracking monthly citizenship numbers through the ICC Immigration Dashboard and has also published reports that demonstrate a decline in naturalization rates.

The ICC Immigration Dashboard shows there were 379,448 new citizens in 2023. It is worth noting that IRCC does not publish an annual target for citizenship as they do with PR targets.

Immigration Trends

In 2023, the number of new citizens remained relatively stable with just a 1% increase from 2022, which works out to an additional 3,838 new citizens. By comparison, PR admissions experienced an 8% increase over the same time period.

Immigration Category

Top 3 Source Countries for PR in 2023

The ICC Immigration Dashboard highlights the diverse backgrounds of people who settle in Canada. In 2023, India (139,715 PRs), China (31,770), and the Philippines (26,945) resumed their positions as the top source countries for PR admissions, repeating a pattern observed in 2021. India has consistently been the top source country for PR admissions between 2021 to 2023.

The new source countries that emerged in 2022 were Afghanistan (23,745 PRs) and Nigeria (22,135 PRs), which remain in the top 5 source countries in 2023.

Emerging Source Countries

2023 also saw a significant growth in PR admissions from African nations, reflecting the changes in global immigration dynamics. The source countries that saw an increase in the number of PRs admitted were Cameroon, with an 87% increase from 2022, Congo, DRC, 63% increase, and Eritrea, 40% increase.

Every year, IRCC reveals its immigration levels plan that sets targets for the number of PRs that will be admitted through different categories in the forthcoming three years. As we continue to analyze and report, the immigration levels plan aims to welcome 485,000 new PRs in 2024, increasing to 500,000 PRs in 2025 and 2026. Separately, Quebec released its immigration target levels, which are set to admit 50,000 PRs in 2024 and 2025.

At the moment, IRCC has not published annual targets for new citizens.

Share Your Thoughts

• In the global competition for skilled labour, how should Canada adjust its immigration selection policies to attract talent?
• How can Canadian immigration policies be adapted to more effectively recognize and utilize the credentials and experiences of international professionals, addressing underemployment issues among immigrants?

Track the changing trends in immigration through the ICC’s immigration dashboard. At the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, our commitment is to make Canada accessible to newcomers. Through programs like Canoo and our various research efforts, we hope to collaboratively build pathways to enrich Canada’s diverse immigrant population.

Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here. 

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The Toronto Reference Library, in the heart of downtown Toronto, transformed on December 1, 2023, as this vibrant community space played host to an ICC Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony. The ceremony celebrated not only the legal status of citizenship, but the strength found in the diversity of voices. The 43 citizens taking their oath represented a harmonious blend of 24 nationalities.

The Toronto Reference Library, standing as a symbol of education and community, served as a fitting venue for this celebration. The decision to honour diversity in a space that embodies community and shared aspirations was both deliberate and meaningful.

“Strength in diversity is a critical element of how Canada is strung. Diversity also means participation – your participation, your voice in that diversity. As much as you perhaps needed Canada to come here and call it your new home, Canada needs you. Canada needs you to participate to continue this strength in diversity that we have.” – Guest Speaker Muraly Srinarayanathas

Muraly Srinarayanathas, alongside three distinguished guests, was honoured by the ICC to participate in this extraordinary day with 43 new citizens and their families. Among the special guests were WaZoBia: The Nigerian Dance Collective, who captivated the audience with a spectacular dance performance.

Elder Catherine Tammaro from the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation, underlined the profound impact newcomers contribute to Canada’s diversity. She emphasized the importance of newcomers learning about the rich history and traditions of Indigenous communities. To conclude the ceremony, Eunice Ojo led the new citizens in singing the Canadian national anthem—a moment filled with profound meaning as it marked their first rendition as Canadians.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

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On November 22, 2023, in the vibrant Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick, an enhanced citizenship ceremony took place and marked a momentous occasion in the lives of 31 individuals from 12 different countries. As part of Canada History Week, the gallery transformed into a symbol of unity and diversity, hosting a ceremony that beautifully encapsulated the essence of what it means to be Canadian.

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, known for its rich collection of Canadian and international art, provided an inspiring setting for the ceremony. Surrounded by masterpieces that reflect the cultural tapestry of Canada, the new citizens embarked on their journey of belonging, embraced by the spirit of creativity and inclusivity that permeates the gallery’s walls.

The theme of Canada History Week added an extra layer of significance to the event, reminding everyone present of the rich tapestry of narratives that contribute to the mosaic of Canadian identity. From Indigenous peoples to newcomers from across the globe, each story is a vital chapter in the ongoing saga of Canada’s evolution.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.

Toronto, Ontario, February 6, 2024 – Early findings from The Newcomer Perspective, a study conducted jointly by Ipsos and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), show that newcomers have mixed feelings as they acclimatize to life in Canada. Preliminary results from the research, which will gather the views of 20,000 newcomers to Canada in 2024, demonstrate how critical it is for governments, businesses and all Canadians to understand all phases of the newcomer journey to Canada. That journey is indeed a very dynamic one, with significant shifts in perspectives and behaviours across different demographics and throughout the first ten years in Canada. As results also demonstrate, it is also a journey of mixed emotions.

Significant headwinds during their first few years in the Country

Early findings demonstrate that newcomers face major challenges during their first few years in Canada, especially when it comes to housing and finances. When asked to select the three most important issues facing Canada today from a list of 20 items, housing easily topped the list, with 68% of newcomers choosing it as a top concern. This was followed by interest rates and inflation (44%), healthcare (39%) and unemployment and jobs (26%).  

In line with those findings, more than eight in ten (86%) newcomers say that Canada has been worse than expected as a place that gives them access to affordable housing, compared to only 5% who think it is better than expected. Housing far outranks any other aspect of the newcomer journey when it comes to falling short of expectations.

Canada also falls short of expectations for too many newcomers as a place where you can get ahead financially (56% worse/22% better) and as a place where you can make a good income (51% worse/23% better).

Newcomers feel welcomed and treated fairly in Canada

Despite facing challenges in the early years, the vast majority of newcomers to Canada say that the country meets or exceeds their expectations as a place where they feel welcomed (89%) and believe they are being treated fairly as Canadian residents (87%). Bringing with them a great variety of cultural, social, religious, and political beliefs and behaviours, the vast majority of newcomers nonetheless feel that they share the same outlook on life, opinions on important issues, etc. as other Canadians (85%).

Do newcomers feel welcomed in the same way by different groups and institutions? Mostly. More than nine in ten feel welcomed by Canadian non-profit organizations (95%; 51% very/44% somewhat), by people in Canada (94%; 49% very/45% somewhat) and by government entities in Canada/the Canadian government (90%; 44% very/46% somewhat). While 85% also feel welcomed by Canadian businesses, only 31% say they feel very welcomed compared to 54% who feel somewhat welcomed, leaving ample room for improvement on the part of Canadian businesses.   

The Newcomer Perspective: So much more than a survey of newcomers

These are just a small sample of key findings and topics covered in this groundbreaking syndicated research program, The Newcomer Perspective. In months to come, Ipsos and the ICC will explore other issues of importance for newcomers and for the governments, non-profits and businesses who seek to serve them better. This ongoing research will track the views of newcomers over time and will allow subscribers to dive deeper into results by a wide array of key segments, including country of origin, immigration category, province of residence, number of years in Canada, age, education levels and so much more.

About this release

These are some of the early findings of the recently launched ‘The Newcomer Perspective’ research program, which will survey 20,000 newcomers in 2024.  For this release, 1,336 newcomers to Canada aged 18 years and over were interviewed online between November 14-23, 2023.  Participants for the survey were permanent residents and Canadian citizens who have recently moved to Canada. Respondents were members of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s (ICC) Canoo Cultural Access Pass, which represents the largest and highest quality member base of Canadian newcomers. 

About The Newcomer Perspective Study

The Newcomer Perspective is a partnership between Ipsos and the ICC which brings the voices of newcomers to Canadian leaders in the private and public sectors, providing the insights they need to play their part in making Canada a welcoming country that newcomers fall in love with and contribute to. The study is the country’s largest and most comprehensive survey of the attitudes and perspectives of newcomers throughout their immigration journey. For more information on The Newcomer Perspective research program, please see more information here or write to NewcomerInsightsCanada@ipsos.com.

About Ipsos

Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people. Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and Mid-60 indices and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP. www.ipsos.com

About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)

The ICC works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. Thanks to its pioneering Canoo Cultural Access Pass, the ICC serves more newcomers than any other organization in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, the ICC has a presence across the country, including staff in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montréal.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

For Ipsos:

Sanyam Sethi
Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs
Sanyam.Sethi@ipsos.com
+1 416 324-2307

Sébastien Dallaire
Senior Vice President
Sebastien.Dallaire@ipsos.com
+1 514 443-4758

For the Institute for Canadian Citizenship

Alex Nanoff
media@forcitizenship.ca
+1 613 709 6318

Research details 

For questions about methodology and analysis, please contact Ipsos using the details listed above. 
Click here for more information and to access data tables for this release. 

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The vibrant city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, once again hosted a heartwarming ceremony at the Discovery Centre on January 22, 2024. The event marked a significant milestone for 36 individuals from 8 diverse countries, embarking on a transformative journey as they officially became proud Canadian citizens. The theme of the ceremony, New Beginnings, symbolized not only a fresh start but also the vast opportunities that Canada offers to its newest citizens.

The Discovery Centre, a not-for-profit science centre renowned for its innovative displays, believes curiosity connects us all. The centre provided an inspiring and dynamic space for this Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony. Just as the Discovery Centre encourages a spirit of inquiry and exploration, the journey to Canadian citizenship requires curiosity and ambition to understand, explore, and build a new home for the future.

“I celebrate not just a new citizenship but the boundless opportunity that being Canadian brings to us – a journey of diverse cultures, shared values and new opportunities.” – New Canadian Citizen

These words echoed the aspirations of each individual taking the oath that day. The presence of special guests Jennifer Punch, Dorothy Rice and Geri Musqua-LeBlanc helped make this day truly memorable for the new citizens. Adria Jackson, talented singer and harpist, led a beautiful rendition of O Canada that resonated through the hearts of the new citizens. In this moment of celebration and unity, the Discovery Centre stood not only as a backdrop but as a testament to the limitless possibilities and the enriching journey that curiosity, diversity, and new beginnings bring to those who proudly call Canada their home.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here.

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@forcitizenship.ca.