Canada announces level of Canadian visas and immigration numbers to remain constant in 2010

“While other countries have cut back immigration levels as a short-term response to the global economic downturn, our government is actually maintaining its immigration levels to meet the country’s medium- to long-term economic needs,” the Minister said.

Canada will welcome between 240,000 and 265,000 new permanent residents in 2010, the same number of immigrants as in recent years, the Minister said. This number is more new permanent residents than the average annual intake during the 1990s.

“The focus of the 2010 plan is on economic immigration to support Canada’s economy during and beyond the current economic recovery.”

In particular, the admission ranges for Canadian visa applicants nominated by the provinces and territories have been increased, a two-fold benefit as provinces and territories understand best how Canada’s immigration intake can be aligned to their labour market needs and this also allows a more even distribution of immigrants through the country.

The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with Canadian visa and immigration applications.