People who have been granted permanent resident status in Canada. Please note that in these datasets, the figures have been suppressed or rounded to prevent the identification of individuals when the datasets are compiled and compared with other publicly available statistics. Values between 0 and 5 are shown as “--“ and all other values are rounded to the nearest multiple of 5. This may result to the sum of the figures not equating to the totals indicated.

Facts and Figures 2015: Immigration Overview–Permanent Residents presents the annual intake of permanent residents by category of immigration from 1990 to 2015. The main body of the publication consists of a series of statistical tables and charts covering the ten-year period from 2006 to 2015. The report depicts selected characteristics for permanent residents. The statistics for admission of permanent residents are provided for the three main categories of immigration—family class, economic immigrants and refugees—as well as for other immigrants who do not qualify in any of these categories.

Components of international migratory increase, quarterly: immigrants, emigrants, returning emigrants, net temporary emigrants, net non-permanent residents.

This table contains 25 series, with data for years 1955 - 2013 (not all combinations necessarily have data for all years). This table contains data described by the following dimensions (Not all combinations are available): Geography (1 items: Canada ...) Last permanent residence (25 items: Total immigrants; France; Great Britain; Total Europe ...).

People who have been granted permanent resident status in Canada. Please note that in these datasets, the figures have been suppressed or rounded to prevent the identification of individuals when the datasets are compiled and compared with other publicly available statistics. Values between 0 and 5 are shown as “--“ and all other values are rounded to the nearest multiple of 5. This may result to the sum of the figures not equating to the totals indicated. Please note that the datasets will not be updated.

Temporary residents who are in Canada on a study permit in the observed calendar year. Datasets include study permit holders by year in which permit(s) became effective or with a valid permit in a calendar year or on December 31st. Please note that in these datasets, the figures have been suppressed or rounded to prevent the identification of individuals when the datasets are compiled and compared with other publicly available statistics. Values between 0 and 5 are shown as “--“ and all other values are rounded to the nearest multiple of 5. This may result to the sum of the figures not equating to the totals indicated.

More than a quarter of new permanent residents arriving in Canada in 2024 were from India - by far the highest of any country. Less than seven percent will be from China, the second highest.

Facts and Figures 2016: Immigration Overview – Permanent Residents presents the annual intake of permanent residents by category of immigration from 2007 to 2016. The main body of the publication consists of a series of statistical tables and charts covering the ten-year period from 2007 to 2016. The report depicts selected characteristics for permanent residents. The statistics for admission of permanent residents are provided for the three main categories of immigration—family class, economic immigrants and refugees—as well as for other immigrants who do not qualify in any of these categories.

Operational datasets on acquisition of Canadian citizenship, permanent and temporary residency status and visitor visas of foreign nationals.

This table provides quarterly estimates of the number of non-permanent residents by type for Canada, provinces and territories.

Facts and Figures 2015: Immigration Overview Temporary Residents presents the annual intake of permit holders and refugee claimants from 1994 to 2015. The report also shows the total count of permit holders and refugee claimants with valid permit(s) in each calendar year and the total count of permit holders and refugee claimants as at December 31st of each year. The main body of the publication consists of a series of statistical tables and charts covering the ten-year period from 2006 to 2015. In Facts & Figures 2015 for Temporary Residents, numbers on International Mobility Program (IMP) Work Permit Holders for Work Purposes increased due to the moving of the Post-graduate Employment Work Permit Holders population from Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes to Work Permit Holders for Work Purposes under the International Mobility Program. As a result of this, the Facts & Figures 2015 reports reflect a corresponding decrease in the number of Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes. These changes have been applied retroactively. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience gained through the PGWPP potentially helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Facts & Figures 2013 had previously counted those who held Post-Graduation Work Permits as Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes. However, Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes is a category for individuals who are primarily students and who are also allowed to get a work permit (e.g., Co-op students) because it is integral to their course of studies. To get a PGWP, in contrast, an individual must have ceased to be a student – it is a requirement that the individual must have graduated from their program.

Facts and Figures 2016: Immigration Overview Temporary – Residents presents the annual intake of permit holders and refugee claimants from 1997 to 2016. The report also shows the total count of permit holders and asylum claimants with valid permit(s) in each calendar year and the total count of permit holders and asylum claimants as at December 31st of each year. The main body of the publication consists of a series of statistical tables and charts covering the ten-year period from 2007 to 2016. In Facts & Figures 2015 for Temporary Residents, numbers on International Mobility Program (IMP) Work Permit Holders for Work Purposes increased due to the moving of the Post-graduate Employment Work Permit Holders population from Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes to Work Permit Holders for Work Purposes under the International Mobility Program. As a result of this, the Facts & Figures 2016 reports reflect a corresponding decrease in the number of Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes. These changes have been applied retroactively. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience gained through the PGWPP potentially helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Facts & Figures 2013 had previously counted those who held Post-Graduation Work Permits as Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes. However, Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes is a category for individuals who are primarily students and who are also allowed to get a work permit (e.g., Co-op students) because it is integral to their course of studies. To get a PGWP, in contrast, an individual must have ceased to be a student – it is a requirement that the individual must have graduated from their program.

Temporary residents in the humanitarian population who request refugee protection upon or after arrival in Canada.

Please note that in these datasets, the figures have been suppressed or rounded to prevent the identification of individuals when the datasets are compiled and compared with other publicly available statistics. Values between 0 and 5 are shown as “--“ and all other values are rounded to the nearest multiple of 5. This may result to the sum of the figures not equating to the totals indicated.

The total number of people granted permanent resident status in Canada by immigration category (permanent residents): family class, economic immigrants, refugees, other immigrants and category not stated; and the total number of Temporary Foreign Worker work permit holders, International Mobility Program work permit holders, foreign students and humanitarian population; and an overview of permanent and temporary residence, passport and Permanent Resident Card applications received and processed by the CIC Operational Network as a whole (all of CIC's Points of Service, in Canada and overseas), with totals for applications received, network outcomes (withdrawn applications and positive or negative decisions regarding applicant eligibility and admissibility) and the total number of authorizations and visas issued for permanent residents. Note that prior to December 31, 2015, processing times for many of our services were displayed by visa office. This was useful when applications for permanent or temporary residence were always processed by the nearest visa office. However, we now have the ability to move applications around our global network to ensure they are processed as efficiently as possible. This means applications may not be processed at the office closest to where the applicant lives. As a result, only overall processing information is now being reported.

Resettled refugees who arrived in Canada as part of the Government of Canada's Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program. Datasets include resettled refugees who have received settlement services. Please note that in these datasets, the figures have been suppressed or rounded to prevent the identification of individuals when the datasets are compiled and compared with other publicly available statistics. Values between 0 and 5 are shown as “--“ and all other values are rounded to the nearest multiple of 5. This may result to the sum of the figures not equating to the totals indicated.

Abstract

Statistics Canada conducts the Census of Population in order to paint a statistical portrait of Canada and Canadians on one specific day. The census is designed to provide information about people and housing units in Canada by their demographic, social and economic characteristics.

The Census of Population is a reliable basis for the estimation of the population of the provinces, territories and municipal areas. These counts are essential for maintaining Canada’s equitable representation, as they are used to set electoral boundaries; estimate the demand for services in minority official languages; and calculate federal, provincial and territorial transfer payments.

The census also provides information about the characteristics of the population and its housing within small geographic areas and for small population groups to support planning, administration, policy development and evaluation activities of governments at all levels. The information provided by the census for these geographic areas and population groups is also used by the private sector as well as data users in their decision-making process.

In 2021, for the first time, immigrant status and year of immigration was obtained from administrative files provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These data provide vital information to help understand the living conditions and socioeconomic outcomes of immigrants and their children in Canada.

Geographic coverage

Whole country

Analysis unit

Household and individual

Universe

The census enumerates the entire Canadian population, on a “usual residence” basis (de jure). The population enumerated consists of usual residents of Canada who are Canadian citizens (by birth or by naturalization), landed immigrants and non-permanent residents and their families living with them in Canada. Non-permanent residents are persons who hold a work or student permit, or who claim refugee status.

The census also counts Canadian citizens and landed immigrants who are temporarily outside the country on Census Day. This includes federal and provincial government employees working outside Canada, Canadian embassy staff posted to other countries, members of the Canadian Forces stationed abroad, all Canadian crew members of merchant vessels and their families. Because people outside the country are enumerated, the Census’ population concept is considered a “modified” de jure census.

Foreign residents such as representatives of a foreign government assigned to an embassy, high commission or other diplomatic mission in Canada, and residents of another country who are visiting Canada temporarily are not covered by the census.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

For the census long-form, a random sample of 1 in 4 private dwellings in Canada is selected systematically. The sample size was determined to ensure the dissemination of reliable estimates for small areas and small populations. The long-form sample is selected from the 2021 Census of Population dwelling list.

Mode of data collection

Other [oth]

Understanding Labour Market Impact Assessment statistics: This release displays annual Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) statistics related to positions, geographical location, occupations, sectors and foreign workers by country of origin. It is important to note that the decision to issue a work permit rests with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and that not all positions on a positive LMIA result in a work permit. As well, there may also be a time delay between the date the temporary foreign worker (TFW) obtains the work permit and the date they enter Canada. For these reasons, data provided in the LMIA statistics cannot be used to calculate the number of TFWs that have entered or will enter Canada. IRCC publishes annual statistics on the number of foreign workers who enter Canada in its Facts and Figures publication: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/statistics/menu-fact.asp. These statistics are based on the number of work permits issued at ports of entry and encompass a variety of program streams beyond the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), such as temporary residents entering Canada to work, study or for humanitarian and compassionate reasons. Effective February 2018, LMIAs in support of Permanent Residence (PR) are excluded from TFWP statistics reporting, unless reported separately. This may impact statistics reported over time.

These tables focus on admissions of Afghan refugees under Canada’s #WelcomeAfghans Commitment, highlighting the population’s primary characteristics of gender, age group, official language ability, education level, and province of intended destination in Canada. Afghan refugees include persons admitted under Canada’s special immigration program for Afghans who assisted the Government of Canada as well as individuals admitted under the special Afghan humanitarian program. Please note that all values between 0 and 5 are shown as “--”. This is done to prevent individuals from being identified when IRCC data is compiled and compared to other publicly available statistics. All other values are rounded to the closest multiple of 5 for the same reason; as a result of rounding, data may not sum to the totals indicated. Data are preliminary and subject to change.

Facts and Figures 2017: Immigration Overview Temporary Residents presents the annual intake of permit holders and refugee claimants from 1997 to 2017. The report also shows the total count of permit holders and asylum claimants with valid permit(s) in each calendar year and the total count of permit holders and asylum claimants as at December 31st of each year. The main body of the publication consists of a series of statistical tables and charts covering the ten-year period from 2007 to 2017. In Facts & Figures 2015 for Temporary Residents, numbers on International Mobility Program (IMP) Work Permit Holders for Work Purposes increased due to the moving of the Post-graduate Employment Work Permit Holders population from Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes to Work Permit Holders for Work Purposes under the International Mobility Program. As a result of this, the Facts & Figures 2017 reports reflect a corresponding decrease in the number of Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes. These changes have been applied retroactively. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience gained through the PGWPP potentially helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Facts & Figures 2013 had previously counted those who held Post-Graduation Work Permits as Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes. However, Work Permit Holders for Study Purposes is a category for individuals who are primarily students and who are also allowed to get a work permit (e.g., Co-op students) because it is integral to their course of studies. To get a PGWP, in contrast, an individual must have ceased to be a student – it is a requirement that the individual must have graduated from their program."

Overview: Each quarter, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) publishes Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) statistics on Open Government Data Portal, including quarterly and annual LMIA data related to, but not limited to, requested and approved TFW positions, employment location, employment occupations, sectors, TFWP stream and temporary foreign workers by country of origin. The TFWP does not collect data on the number of TFWs who are hired by an employer and have arrived in Canada. The decision to issue a work permit rests with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and not all positions on a positive LMIA result in a work permit. For these reasons, data provided in the LMIA statistics cannot be used to calculate the number of TFWs that have entered or will enter Canada. IRCC publishes annual statistics on the number of foreign workers who are issued a work permit: https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/360024f2-17e9-4558-bfc1-3616485d65b9. Frequency of Publication: Quarterly LMIA statistics cover data for the four quarters of the previous calendar year and the quarter(s) of the current calendar year. Quarterly data is released within two to three months of the most recent quarter. The release dates for quarterly data are as follows: Q1 (January to March) will be published by early June of the current year; Q2 (April to June) will be published by early September of the current year; Q3 (July to September) will be published by early December of the current year; and Q4 (October to December) will be published by early March of the next year. Annual statistics cover eight consecutive years of LMIA data and are scheduled to be released in March of the next year. Published Data: As part of the quarterly release, the TFWP updates LMIA data for 28 tables broken down by: TFW positions: Tables 1 to 10, 12, 13, and 22 to 24; LMIA applications: Tables 14 to 18; Employers: Tables 11, and 19 to 21; Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): Tables 25 to 28. In addition, the TFWP publishes 2 lists of employers who were issued a positive or negative LMIA: Employers who were issued a positive LMIA by Program Stream, NOC, and Business Location (https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/90fed587-1364-4f33-a9ee-208181dc0b97/resource/b369ae20-0c7e-4d10-93ca-07c86c91e6fe); and Employers who were issued a negative LMIA by Program Stream, NOC, and Business Location (https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/f82f66f2-a22b-4511-bccf-e1d74db39ae5/resource/94a0dbee-e9d9-4492-ab52-07f0f0fb255b) Things to Remember: When data are presented on positive or negative LMIAs, the decision date is used to allocate which quarter the data falls into. However, when data are presented on when LMIAs are requested, it is based on the date when the LMIA is received by ESDC. As of the publication of 2016-2023 annual data (published in April 2024) and going forward, all LMIAs in support of 'Permanent Residence (PR) Only' are included in TFWP statistics, unless indicated otherwise. All annual data in this report includes PR Only LMIAs. Dual-intent LMIAs and corresponding positions are included under their respective TFWP stream (e.g., low-wage, high-wage, etc.) This may impact program reporting over time. Attention should be given for data that are presented by ‘Unique Employers’ when it comes to manipulating the data within that specific table. One employer could be counted towards multiple groups if they have multiple positive LMIAs across categories such as program stream, province or territory, or economic region. For example, an employer could request TFWs for two different business locations, and this employer would be counted in the statistics of both economic regions. As such, the sum of the rows within these ‘Unique Employer’ tables will not add up to the aggregate total.