Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship Landscape in 2024
In 2024, Canada granted citizenship to 374,832 individuals, with Indian nationals making up the largest portion of new citizens. This was slightly lower than the previous year, reflecting ongoing debates around the country’s immigration strategy. Despite challenges and policy adjustments, Canada continues to remain a prime destination for immigrants, especially those from India. This article dives into the latest Canada immigration statistics, including the most common countries of origin, citizenship processing times, and the impact of new policies on immigration trends.
New Citizens in 2024: A Snapshot
In 2024, Canada’s immigration and citizenship process saw a slight dip compared to 2023, with a decrease of about 5,125 new citizens. However, despite the adjustments to immigration levels, the trend indicates that Canada remains a top choice for many global citizens.
Key Citizenship Figures:
- 2024: 374,832 new citizens
- 2023: 379,957 new citizens
- 2022: 375,610 new citizens
- 2021: 137,164 new citizens
- 2020: 110,994 new citizens
Busiest Period:
- The busiest period for citizenship ceremonies in 2024 was from April to June, when 104,218 individuals were granted citizenship.
Lowest Citizenship Grants:
- December 2024 saw the fewest grants, with only 18,160 individuals receiving citizenship.
Countries of Origin: India Leads the Way
India continues to dominate as the largest source of new citizens, making up 23.43% of the total new citizenship grants in 2024. This was a slight increase from 2023, when Indian nationals accounted for 21%. The increase in the number of Indian citizens is indicative of the growing number of skilled professionals and students opting for Canadian citizenship.
Countries Contributing to New Citizens:
- India: 87,812 new citizens
- Philippines: 37,843 new citizens
- China: 14,134 new citizens
- Nigeria: 13,210 new citizens
- Pakistan: 10,831 new citizens
Together, these countries accounted for 54% of all citizenship grants in 2024.
Citizenship Processing Times and Applications
The average processing time for Canadian citizenship applications is approximately eight months, with 232,200 applications still under review at the start of 2025. This high number of pending applications and the new immigration curbs may lead to longer processing times.
Processing Time Breakdown:
- Average processing time: 8 months
- Applications under review: 232,200
- Applications exceeding standard timeline: 40,600
Those with urgent circumstances may qualify for expedited processing, but general applicants should expect delays.
Canadian Passport Ranking and Immigration Adjustments
Despite the changes in immigration, Canada’s passport remains one of the most powerful in the world, ranking 7th globally in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, ahead of the United States (ranked 9th). This access provides Canadian citizens with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 countries.
Key Immigration Adjustments:
- 2025 immigration targets: 395,000 permanent residents (down from 500,000)
- Planned permanent residency admissions for 2026 and 2027: 380,000 and 365,000, respectively
- A decrease in the number of temporary residents: Set to make up 5% of the national population by the end of 2026.
These adjustments are part of Canada’s broader immigration strategy to maintain a balance between economic needs and community requirements.
Study Permit Changes for 2025
For 2025, Canada is planning to issue 437,000 study permits, marking a 10% decrease from 2024’s target of 485,000. New regulations, including the requirement for Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) for certain student categories, will impact students wishing to study in Canada.
Study Permit Breakdown:
- 437,000 study permits planned
- 316,276 permits will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- A cap on study permit applications will be implemented
These changes reflect a more controlled approach to immigration, focusing on international students in specific fields.
Immigrants in Canada’s Labour Market: Growing Contributions
Immigrants continue to contribute significantly to Canada’s labour market, comprising 28.9% of the country’s workforce. Sectors such as professional services, technical fields, and information technology have seen an influx of skilled workers from abroad. Moreover, immigrants make up a significant proportion of entrepreneurs, with over 800,000 self-employed immigrants in Canada.
Immigrant Contributions:
- 800,000 self-employed immigrants
- 250,000 immigrant-owned businesses with staff
- Canada ranks 3rd in attracting entrepreneurs within the OECD.
Table: Citizenship Grants by Country in 2024
| Country of Origin | New Citizens (2024) | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| India | 87,812 | 23.43% |
| Philippines | 37,843 | 10.09% |
| China | 14,134 | 3.77% |
| Nigeria | 13,210 | 3.53% |
| Pakistan | 10,831 | 2.89% |
| Others | 221,102 | 59.29% |
Canada’s Future in Immigration and Citizenship
In 2024, Canada granted citizenship to 374,832 people, with India leading the charge. Despite challenges like immigration curbs and processing delays, Canada remains a top destination for global citizens. Indians continue to make up a significant portion of new Canadian citizens, reflecting the growing demand for skilled workers and professionals in Canada.
Canada’s immigration targets and study permit regulations are evolving to ensure that the country maintains its global standing while adapting to changing needs. As the government recalibrates its policies, immigrants will continue to play a crucial role in Canada’s economic growth and diverse workforce.
With its strong passport, growing immigrant workforce, and a welcoming approach, Canada is poised to remain one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants worldwide.
