IRCC processed 32,700 applications in a month
On February 19, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the data on immigration inventories and backlogs. According to the last update, there were 2,188,400 applications for permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship approvals in all IRCC inventories. This means IRCC has processed only 32,700 applications since January 24, 2024. According to the update, 42.4% of applications in the inventory exceeded service standards. IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within their service standard, though some complex cases may require a comprehensive assessment. Currently, 48% of temporary residence requests – including ones for visiting, studying, or working abroad and 43% of permanent residency applications are in backlog. Additionally, 19% of citizenship applications also exceed service standards.
Rural Canada’s population will decline without immigration policy change
According to a Western University researcher, Canada’s rural communities face population decline unless policies direct immigrants to smaller towns rather than cities. The rural population has been decreasing for over 55 years. For instance, in Ontario, the rural population was 37% of the total in 1966 but only 17% in 2021. Additionally, rural Canada is aging faster than urban areas. Immigrants are less likely to move to rural Canada due to factors like limited transportation, employment, educational opportunities, and potential discrimination. City-based settlement services and co-ethnic ties make urban living more appealing.
Canada’s study permit limit will not prompt immediate rent reductions
Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s study permit cap aims to curb inflation on rents caused by growing international students in Canada, states an RBC Economics report. The report estimates 391,000 new international students this year, with 291,000 graduating or ending their studies, leading to a net increase of 100,000 students. This increase will continue to pressure rents, although less intensely. The rental housing market is expected to remain steady, with a potential reduction in new rental demand from international students. Amid processing over a million study permit applications in 2023, a cap of 606,250 applications has been set for 2024, likely cutting approved study permits by 35%.
Recruitment strategy tackles skilled trades shortage in Atlantic Canada
The Construction Association of Prince Edward Island (CAPEI) is collaborating with the Canadian government and regional partners to tackle the critical shortage of skilled trades in Atlantic Canada’s construction sector. With a $210,000 non-repayable contribution from ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, CAPEI aims to implement a recruitment and retention strategy. This initiative, supported by an additional $160,000 from the Province of Prince Edward Island through Skills PEI, will connect construction companies to immigration expertise services, engage qualified workers internationally, and provide integration training. The goal is to expedite hiring for in-demand positions, addressing immediate workforce shortages and promoting regional economic growth. This effort aligns with the Government of Canada’s commitment to boosting the housing supply and creating well-paying jobs in Atlantic Canada.
