Immigrants, visitors, students to Canada record high in 2012

Immigrants, visitors and students from China to Canada hit a record high in 2012, Canada's Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced here on Monday.

In a news release, Kenney said that China was the number one source country for immigration to Canada in 2012, with 32,990 permanent residents admitted.

He said that Canada also issued a record 235,000 visitor visas to Chinese applicants in 2012, an increase of 158 percent compared with 2004, and approved the record 25,245 study permits, an increase of 235 percent since 2004. China was also the top source country for successful Canadian Experience Class applicants.

Kenney noted that this significant increase in each of these categories reaffirms Canada as a top destination of choice for visitors and students from China.

"For over a century, Canada has benefited from the talent and hard work of newcomers from China," he said. "Almost 1.5 million Canadians can trace their ancestry to China, and now a growing number of Chinese citizens are able to visit family and friends in Canada, study at Canadian colleges and universities, or immigrate to Canada as permanent residents."

Kenney said that Canada plans to grow the economy and create more jobs by attracting an increasing number of visitors and the world's best and brightest talent to Canada.

"For this reason, we strive to issue visas and permits as quickly as possible to facilitate travel for immigrants, visitors and students," he added.

Canada continues to move toward a fast and flexible immigration system that avoids backlogs and processes applications faster.

For example, in 2008, the government introduced the Canadian Experience Class, a path to permanent residency for international student graduate whose Canadian education and work experience helps ensure they are set for success in Canada's economy.

In addition, in July 2011, the duration of multiple-entry visas was extended from 5 years to 10 years. This allows visitors to enter and exit Canada for up to six months at a time over 10 years.

Furthermore, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for the new Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, which is also valid for up to 10 years and allows parents and grandparents to come to Canada for up to 24 months at a time.