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 eighth most popular source country of new immigrants in 2021.
In recent years, the wave of emigration of elites and youth in Iran has intensified, mainly due to the wrecked economic situation and the lack of civil liberties.
Most Iranians who come to Canada are educated and fluent in English. Acquiring Canadian residency through investment is also popular among wealthy Iranians. According to Canada’s 2016 census data, there were more than 210,000 Iranians living in Canada. We will know the more recent figures in the fall of 2022 when new census data will be published.
In this article we examine why Iranians prefer Canada over other destinations.
Canada’s official language is English
English and French are the official languages of Canada. English language teaching in Iran ،all students in universities can take English language courses. Iranian immigrants’ good English language skills allow them to adapt and integrate more quickly.
Diverse immigration programs
Canada offers more than 100 immigration pathways. Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), family sponsorship, and student visas are some common ways Iranians come to Canada.
Accredited learning institutions and immigration pathways for students
There is a wide range of universities and colleges in Canada. The University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University and McMaster University are within the top 100 universities in the world.
Canada also offers permanent residency pathways for international students.
Quality of Life
As per the OECD’s Better Life Index, Canada ranks above average in housing, subjective well-being, personal security, health status, social connections, environmental quality, jobs and earnings, work-life balance.
Also, about 73% of people aged 15 to 64 in Canada have a paid job. Canada is currently the ninth largest economy globally.
Cultural diversity
Canada is home to immigrants with different nationalities, religions, languages, and races.
Iranians are also part of Canada’s cultural community. Ancient Iranian ceremonies such as Nowruz are celebrated in Canada,
Iranians have achieved significant success in the country, including Hassan Khosrowshahi who founded Future Shop store chain, Karim Hakimi who is the founder of Hakim Optical Lab Ltd, and the Ghermezian family who developed and own the famous West Edmonton Mall. In addition, Iranian immigrants have even entered the Canadian Parliament and held important government positions.