Canada Immigration Intake Raises and Australia Immigration Intake Drops

Immigration is crucial to the health of the economy for both Countries Canada and Australia. In the latest decades, the two nations have become more reliant on new permanent residents and holders of temporary visas to support their population, labor force, and the growth of the economy.

Global students are a beneficial proxy to help us to understand the economic advantages of immigration in both nations. Global students provide some $22 billion yearly to the economy of Canada, supporting 170,000 jobs in the process. They provide $39 billion to the economy of Australia each year and also supporting 240,000 jobs in the process.

Some 22% of Canadian 38 million people are newcomers while 30% of Australian 25.5 million people are newcomers. This tells us that the 8 million newcomers in each nation have an even bigger and more positive influence on the economy and job production.

Nevertheless, Australia and Canada have pursued totally various immigration plans in the latest years—a trend that has proceeded during the crisis of coronavirus.         

Canada Inviting More Immigration Applicants during COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has naturally affected both country’s systems of immigration, however, Canada is still attempting to come as close as feasible to achieve the economic class goals outlined in its plan of immigration levels.

In April, Canada announced 11,700 invitations to apply for Canada PR under its Express Entry system, related to 7,800 in the prior month, and 8,000 in February. In addition, Canadian provinces proceed to provide PR pathways for immigration applicants during this period.

On the other side, the pandemic has emerged in a notable decline in Australian economic class invitations. Last month, Australia announced 100 invitations to apply under its SkillSelect EOI system, related to 2,050 in March, and 1,500 in February.

Post-coronavirus Response

Few political leaders in Australia are previously calling for even more cuts to the country’s levels of immigration due to the crisis of COVID-19.

There has been limited political debate to date in Canada on the country’s policies of immigration post-pandemic; however, Canadian immigration minister newly suggested that the federal government continues committed to bringing newcomers to help Canadian economic recovery.

In addition, there are 4 other factors that have allowed Canada to maintain high immigration levels, even following tough economic periods including following the 2008-09 global financial crisis. The 4 factors of Canadian geography,  history, policies, and also politics could see Canada adhere closely to its 2020-2022 Plan of Immigration Levels once the pandemic is over.