Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) suggests that 2021 was a big year for Iranian immigration. Canada welcomed more than 11,000 Iranians last year, making it the 8th most popular country of origin for new immigrants in 2021. In this article, we examine why Iranians choose Canada over other destinations.
In recent years, the emigration wave of elites and young people in Iran has intensified, mainly due to the desolate economic situation and the lack of civil liberties. Since the 1978 revolution, Canada has become an attractive destination for Iranians.
Most Iranians who come to Canada are educated and fluent in English. Acquired Canadian residency through investment is also popular with wealthy Iranians. Accordingly Canada’s 2016 census data, more than 210,000 Iranians lived in Canada. We will know the more recent figures in autumn 2022 when new census data are published.
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Canada’s official language is English
English and French are the official languages of Canada. In addition, the country has a rich linguistic diversity due to the diversity of immigrants. English education in Iran starts in middle school and lasts until the end of high school. In addition, all university students can take English courses. Iranian immigrants’ good knowledge of English enables them to adapt and integrate more quickly.
Various immigration programs
Canada has always been known for its diversity immigration programs. Declining birth rates, an aging population and the need for new workers are some of the reasons why the Canadian government has softened its immigration policy and is welcoming more immigrants.
Canada offers more than 100 immigration routes. Express entrythe Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), family sponsorshipand student visas are some common routes by which Iranians come to Canada.
Immigrant capacity in Canada has also increased in recent years. By doing 2022-2024 Immigration Level Plan, Canada plans 431,645 permanent resident registrations. Last year, Canada managed to absorb more than 405,000 new permanent residents.
Accredited educational institutions and immigration routes for students
Known as the K-12, Canada’s public education system provides quality and equal educational opportunities for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, race and background. According to OECD report In terms of literacy rates, Canadian students led the way in reading compared to other OECD countries. In addition, immigrant students in Canada reported higher levels of reading than nonimmigrant students.
There is a wide range of universities and colleges in Canada. The University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University and McMaster University are among the top 100 universities in the world according to the British magazine the times higher education.
Canada also offers permanent residency opportunities for international students. International graduates completing an eligible full-time program of at least eight months duration may be eligible for one Work permit after graduation (PGWP), which allows them to gain Canadian work experience that may open their eligibility to even more immigration programs.
life quality
According to the OECD Better Life Index, Canada scores above average on housing, perceived well-being, personal safety, health status, social connections, environmental quality, jobs and income, work-life balance, education and skills, civic engagement, income and wealth. Also, about 73% of people aged 15-64 in Canada have a paying job. Canada is currently the ninth largest economy in the world.
The Iranian economy is in dire straits due to international sanctions and domestic corruption. Rising inflation and a lack of hope for improvement have prompted tens of thousands of Iranians to emigrate each year.
Cultural diversity
Multiculturalism has been promoted in the country since 1970 by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and Canadians are generally welcoming of immigrants, even during the COVID-19 recession. Canada is home to immigrants of diverse nationalities, religions, languages and races.
Iranians are also part of Canada’s cultural community. Ancient Iranian ceremonies like Nowruz are celebrated in Canada, and even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulates the Iranian community on the Persian New Year. Iranians have made significant achievements in the country, including Hassan Khosrowshahi, who founded the Future Shop chain of stores, Karim Hakimi, the founder of Hakim Optical Lab Ltd, and the Ghermezian family, who developed and owns the famous West Edmonton Mall. In addition, Iranian immigrants have even entered the Canadian Parliament and held important government posts. Among them are current Liberal MPs Ali Cyrus Ehsassi and Majid Jowhari.
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