More people than ever before from Asian countries are moving to live, study and work in Canada, especially from China, the Philippines and India. China was the number one source country for immigration to Canada in 2012, with 32,990 permanent residents admitted. Canada also issued a record 235,000 visitor visas to Chinese applicants in 2012, an increase of 158% compared to 2004, and the record 25,245 study permits approved represents an increase of 235% since 2004, reports Expatforum.com

The Philippines was the second largest source country for immigration to Canada in 2012 with 32,704 permanent residents admitted, an increase of 146% since 2004. Canada also issued a record 44,000 visitor visas to Filipino applicants in 2012, an increase of 68% compared to 2004, and the record 941 study permits approved represents an increase of 429% since 2004.

India was the third largest source country for immigration to Canada in 2012, with 28,889 permanent residents admitted, an increase of almost 15% since 2004. Canada also issued a record 130,000 visitor visas to Indian applicants in 2012, an increase of 58% compared to 2004 with a record 13,000 study permits approved, an increase of 530% since 2004.

This significant increase in each of these categories reaffirms Canada as a top destination of choice for visitors and students from these countries, according to Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. ‘We plan 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 said.

Kenney said that the Government continues to move toward a fast and flexible immigration system that avoids backlogs and processes applications faster. He pointed out that in 2008 the government introduced the Canadian Experience Class, a path to permanent residency for international student graduates 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 five years to 10 years. This allows visitors to enter and exit Canada for up to six months at a time over a 10 year period. 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.

The latest data shows that more than 15,000 Parent and Grandparent Super Visas have been issued since the programme’s launch in December 2011. ‘The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa provides families with flexibility and it is clearly growing in popularity. Our government is committed to family reunification. I am pleased to see that more and more parents and grandparents are getting the opportunity to spend longer periods of time with their loved ones in Canada,’ said Kenney. With over 1,000 Super Visas issued monthly, approval rates remain high at 86%, Kenney said, adding that the process for getting a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is simple and straightforward.

Applicants for the Super Visa must provide proof that the host child or grandchild meets a minimum income level, demonstrate that they have purchased comprehensive Canadian medical insurance and undergo the immigration medical examination. Almost 99% of Super Visa applicants who met these requirements also went on to meet all other standard admissibility criteria.