#COVID19 Immigration Effects – May 2021

Updated data across all immigration programs. Given the travel restrictions and shutdowns spring 2021, some of the monthly percentage increases are exceedingly high, with comparisons to May 2019 more meaningful. 

Some of the highlights: 

• 2021 Permanent Resident numbers to date remain below 2019 levels, 109,615 Jan-May 2021 compared to 125,850. To meet 2021 target of 401,000, over 40,000 new PRs per month needed over the next 7 months. Given the various measures taken to date, a stretch but not impossible. 
• The decline in Permanent Resident admissions partially reflects decline in TR to PR transitions, perhaps suggesting limited existing “inventory,” with PR applications also down 
• Temporary Residents relatively less affected with numbers fairly stable 
• Slight decline in study permit applications and study permits 
• Asylum claimants stable at low levels 
• Citizenship slight recovery in numbers but still much lower than pre-pandemic 
• Visitor visas remain largely shut down.