Higher share of foreign workers became permanent residents in recent years: StatCan

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says foreign workers have been making the transition to permanent residency at higher rates in recent years.

A new report from the federal agency shows that between 2016 and 2020, 23 per cent of foreign workers had become permanent residents two years after obtaining their first work permits.

That was up from about 12 per cent between 2011 and 2015.

The findings suggests temporary residency has become a more significant pathway to permanent residency in Canada.

The Liberal government pledged to curb temporary migration after facing scrutiny over an explosion in population growth.

As of April 1, there were 2.8 million temporary residents in Canada, making up 6.8 per cent of the population.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2024.

The Canadian Press