Canada's intake of immigrants has been significantly lower this year, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. 

On Tuesday, new Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data was released that revealed the country welcomed approximately 19,200 new permanent residents in June 2020. 

This was an increase from May 2020 when 11,000 immigrants entered Canada and an even bigger jump from the 4,000 that came in April. 

However, while numbers increased in the past few months, they very much pale in comparison to last year's. In June 2019, for example, Canada saw 34,000 immigrants enter the country. 

How long are we supposed to be apart from our loved ones. My husband and I have been apart for 4years and still continuing to, due to the negligence of our immigration system here in Canada. #prioritizefamilysponsorship @marcomendicino @JustinTrudeau @CitImmCanada @SalmaZahid15

— Sinthuja Awais (@AwaisSinthuja) August 11, 2020

Disruptions caused by the global pandemic have undoubtedly made it more difficult for Canada to accept new permanent residents. The spread of COVID-19 means the Canadian government has had travel restrictions in place since March, allowing for essential travel only.

The June 2020 Permanent Resident figures indicate that #Canada’s immigration system is “normalizing” to the extent possible during the #COVID19Pandemic. https://t.co/61vGGRMcdM pic.twitter.com/Vp8DyZeRPB

— Kaduuli (@Kaduuli1) August 11, 2020

As a result, only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, immediate family members of permanent residents or Canadian citizens, permanent resident applicants approved on or before March 18, 2020, temporary foreign workers, and international students with a valid study permit approved on or before March 18, 2020 are allowed to enter Canada. 

While Canada is still accepting permanent and temporary residence applications, processing and wait times have been delayed due to social distance measures and the gradual opening of Service Canada locations.