Last year, that number reached 405,000 people, which Ottawa says represents “the highest number of immigrants in a single year” in the country’s history.

Overall, 2022 promises to be another record year in processing immigration applications, according to the IRCC, which is catching up on a filing delay due to the pandemic.

By the end of November, around 4.8 million files had been processed, almost twice as many as in the same period last year, the Federal Ministry confirmed on Monday.

This figure includes more students and temporary workers. The department reports analyzing more than 670,000 study permit applications and nearly 700,000 work permits.

IRCC says it has also increased the pace for visitor visas. More than 260,000 requests were examined in the last month, compared to a monthly average of 180,000 files in 2019.

Ottawa also expects to top the number of new residents compared to last year. Between April and November, around 251,000 people received Canadian citizenship, which grants access to the right to vote and a passport.

The health crisis has caused significant delays and delays in processing immigration files in the country. Ottawa is ensuring the situation is rectified while arrears linked to the pandemic have fallen by almost half a million in four months.

To improve the efficiency of its system, IRCC says it hired and trained new staff, simplified processes and leveraged automation technologies.

“Our interventions ensure we can continue to welcome and support newcomers coming to Canada to work, study, visit loved ones or settle down,” said Sean Fraser, Secretary of State for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

80% of new applications are processed within government waiting times, according to IRCC. For example, the standard for study permits is 60 days, while the processing of spousal sponsorship applications should not exceed 12 months.