The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser announced on March 15, 2022 that Canada has maintained its enduring tradition of welcoming newcomers from every corner of the globe and protecting the world's most vulnerable citizens.
Newcomers in Canada contribute to the country's culture, economy and population growth. However, their contributions enrich Canada's communities and everyone who lives here. The COVID-19 interrupted the ability to welcome newcomers in 2020. Nevertheless, the government recognized the importance of immigration, and in particular its contribution to the post-pandemic economic recovery.
The minister inform Canadians of some key highlights and related information on immigration to Canada. In 2020, there were 184,606 permanent residents who were welcomed into Canada. 906,119 travel documents were issued, 51,011 individuals were transitioned from temporary to permanent residents and 5,756 French-speaking permanent residents were admitted to communities in Canada outside of Quebec.
In addition, there was a total of 256,740 study permit holders, 326,116 temporary work permits holders under the temporary foreign worker and the international mobility programs as temporary residents in Canada. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC implemented temporary policies to assist certain refugee claimants working in the health-care sector in obtaining permanent residence.
The permanent and temporary residents play a vital role in filling labour market gaps, bringing their talent, ideas, and perspectives to Canada as well as their culture and heritage. Canada welcomes thousands of temporary foreign workers (TFWs), students, visitors, and permanent residents each year. Canada also supports the reunification of families and the protection of refugees.