Immigration to Canada Fell by Nearly Half in 2020 Amid Pandemic Travel Restrictions

The Covid-19 pandemic forced numerous countries to shut their borders to international travel and migration, in an attempt to curb the spread of the deadly virus. As a result, immigration into Canada fell by nearly half in 2020, dropping to the lowest level in over twenty years.

According to Statistics Canada, there were a total of 184,370 new permanent residents in Canada last year, down from 341,175 in the year prior. The final count is also significantly lower than the 341,000 newcomers the Liberal government had targeted for 2020, and will likely have a strong impact on a number of sectors in Canada’s economy, especially the demand for housing and services in urban regions.

However, the final numbers are far from surprising, given that Canada had shut its borders to non-essential travel since the onset of the pandemic back in March 2020. In addition, latest immigration data for December shows the number of permanent residents was down by approximately half compared to 2019, suggesting that the declining trend still persists.

Furthermore, the emergence of new, more infectious strains of Covid-19 have prompted government officials to issue further warnings on non-essential travel in the new year. As a result, non-resident air arrivals in January totalled 22,000, down from the 425,400 recorded in January 2020.

However, in February, the federal government unveiled additional restrictions that will come into effect, including a mandatory Covid-19 test upon arrival in Canada, as well as a mandatory hotel quarantine — both of which are at the expense of the traveller. The latest measures will likely further subdue Canada’s immigration levels in 2021, as well as negatively impact the economy.


Information for this briefing was found via Statistics Canada. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

When 4% of Global Copper Disappears Overnight | David Gower – Emerita Resources

Mining M&A: Gold X2 Acquires Kesselrun Resources

They Said Oil Was Dead. They Were Wrong. | Michael Judson – Record Resources

Recommended

Steadright Secures Two Additional Exploration Licenses For Flagship Project

First Majestic Posts Record Quarterly Silver Production In Q3

Related News

BBBY: Bed Bath & Beyond To Shutter Canadian Operations After Filing For Creditor Protection

The end of Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ: BBBY) has begun, with the Canadian arm...

Saturday, February 11, 2023, 12:16:14 PM

Continued Low Employment Levels Suggest Canada’s Job Recovery has Slowed Down

Despite the Canadian economy reopening alongside the lifting of various restrictions, it appears the job...

Friday, July 10, 2020, 11:30:00 AM

Universities Canada Warns of Enrollment Collapse But Won’t Release Specific Numbers

International student enrollment in Canada has plunged far below government targets, with new arrivals projected...

Thursday, August 28, 2025, 08:25:45 AM

Canada Introduces New Permanent Residency Program for Ukrainian War Refugees

In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the plight of those affected, the...

Monday, July 17, 2023, 11:33:00 AM

Canada Plans to Reduce Temporary Resident Influx

Canada is taking steps to rein in the surging number of temporary residents entering the...

Friday, March 22, 2024, 03:55:00 PM