Canada experiences a drop in spousal sponsorship immigration numbers

Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals a downturn in Canada’s spousal sponsorship program. June saw a 7.1% decrease in new permanent residents under this program compared to May, with only 5,665 spouses and common-law partners gaining residency. The first half of 2024 witnessed a 21.1% reduction in spousal immigration compared to the same period in 2023. If this trend continues, Canada may welcome approximately 69,140 new permanent residents through this program by year-end, an 8.1% decrease from 2023’s figures. Ontario remains the top destination for sponsored spouses, while other provinces and territories show varying levels of participation in the program.