A Study Shows Canada Now Home to One Million New Temporary Residents

According to a study by Statistic Canada called “Non-permanent residents in Canada: a portrait of a growing population from the 2021 Census,” non-permanent residents are becoming an increasingly significant part of the Canadian population. The study was based on the results of the 2021 Census of Population and primarily focused on the characteristics of non-permanent residents based on their reasons for non-permanent residence in Canada.

Non-permanent residents in Canada include temporary foreign workers, international students, and asylum seekers, who all have the right to live in Canada on a provisional basis. Close to one million non-permanent residents (NPRs) were tallied in the 2021 census of population, making up about two and a half percent of Canada’s population.

According to the census, about forty percent of the non-permanent residents had a work permit alone, and twenty-two percent had a study permit only. 14.2% of the NPRs had both a work permit and a study permit. Asylum seekers or those seeking refugee protection made up about fifteen percent of the NPRs. The remaining percentage of the non-permanent residents were temporary resident permit holders, family members of NPRs, and parent and grandparent super visa holders combined.

The study also found that non-permanent residents in Canada are generally younger compared to other Canadians. Sixty percent of non-permanent residents in Canada were between the age of twenty and thirty-four, compared to only 37.3% of new Canadian immigrants and 18.4% of the rest of the Canadian population. This is likely due to the fact that many non-permanent residents hold study and work permits, most of whom are young adults aged 20 to 34.

Non-permanent residents in Canada come from a wide range of places, but most of them are born in China (28.5%) and India (10.5%). Quebec is the only province in Canada where France was the most common country of origin for NPRs. In Quebec, about a fifth of the non-permanent residents were born in France. For asylum seekers, Nigeria was the most common country of birth, with India coming in second and Mexico being third.

The most common country of origin for asylum seekers in Canada varied from province to province. For example, in Ontario, Nigeria was the most common country of origin. In Quebec, Haiti was the most common place of origin, and in British Columbia, it was Iran.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current number of temporary residents in Canada?

According to the latest census conducted in 2021, Canada is now home to almost 1 million non-permanent residents (NPRs), making up 2.5% of Canada’s population. Of those 1 million, the largest portion of NPRs had a work permit. In 2021, 40.1% of NPRs had a work permit only, and another 14.2% had a study permit on top of their work permit.

What types of temporary resident statuses exist in Canada?

There are several types of temporary resident statuses in Canada, including:

• Visitor visa: for people who want to visit Canada for a short period of time, usually for tourism, family visits, or business trips.
• Study permit: for international students who want to study at a Canadian educational institution.
• Work permit: for people who want to work in Canada temporarily, either as part of a company transfer, as a skilled worker, or as a caregiver.
• Temporary resident permit: for people who are inadmissible to Canada but have a compelling reason to enter the country temporarily, such as for medical reasons or to attend a family event.

How has Canada’s temporary resident population changed recently?

Canada’s temporary resident population has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2022, Canada’s population grew by a record one million people, driven almost entirely by a surge in immigrants and temporary residents. Although the federal government’s ambitious targets for new permanent residents are receiving much attention, the reality is that 58% of 2022’s record-breaking population increase reflected growth in the temporary resident (TR) population.

What are the requirements for obtaining temporary resident status in Canada?

The requirements for obtaining temporary resident status in Canada vary depending on the type of status being applied for. In general, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid passport or travel document
• Be in good health
• Have no criminal record
• Convince an immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay
• Have enough money to support themselves and their dependents during their stay in Canada

What impact do temporary residents have on Canadian society and economy?

Temporary residents have a significant impact on Canadian society and economy. They contribute to the country’s workforce, fill labour shortages, and bring diversity to communities. They also contribute to the economy by paying taxes, renting homes, and spending money on goods and services. Moreover, international students who come to Canada to study often become permanent residents, contributing to Canada’s long-term economic growth.

What are the pathways for temporary residents to become permanent residents in Canada?

Canada has several pathways for temporary residents to become permanent residents, including:

• Express Entry: for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on their work experience, education, and language skills.
• Provincial Nominee Program: for people who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to a specific province or territory’s economy.
• Family sponsorship: for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who want to sponsor their family members to become permanent residents.
• Canadian Experience Class: for people who have work experience in Canada and want to become permanent residents based on their skills and knowledge of Canadian society.