In 2024, Canada welcomed 374,832 new citizens, reflecting its ongoing commitment to embracing newcomers with Indian nationals comprising the largest group . This figure, while slightly lower than the 379,957 new citizens in 2023, underscores Canada’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive society.
The distribution of new citizens throughout the year showed a varying trend:
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Q1 (January–March): 89,421 new citizens
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Q2 (April–June): 104,218 new citizens (highest)
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Q3 (July–September): 95,600 new citizens
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Q4 (October–December): 69,593 new citizens (lowest)
Top Countries of Origin for New Canadian Citizens in 2024:
In 2024, Canada’s vibrant and diverse immigration landscape welcomed new citizens from 217 countries, showcasing its global appeal as a destination for individuals and families seeking a better future.
| Country of Birth | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 87,812 | 78,714 | 59,580 | 20,860 | 15,418 |
| Philippines | 37,843 | 36,871 | 41,586 | 18,242 | 15,991 |
| China | 14,134 | 12,621 | 10,821 | 5,147 | 4,708 |
| Nigeria | 13,210 | 14,323 | 12,688 | 3,292 | 2,287 |
| Pakistan | 10,831 | 13,384 | 15,207 | 5,551 | 4,740 |
| Iran | 10,350 | 10,757 | 13,085 | 4,853 | 4,888 |
| United States of America | 9,560 | 8,599 | 9,243 | 3,479 | 2,480 |
| Brazil | 9,381 | 6,895 | 5,294 | 1,356 | 843 |
| France | 9,250 | 8,266 | 8,174 | 2,733 | 2,319 |
Provincial Distribution
| Province | 2024 | 2023 |
| Ontario | 205,700 | 206,820 |
| Alberta | 66,350 | 57,595 |
| British Columbia | 63,105 | 70,825 |
| Quebec | 59,425 | 52,810 |
| New Brunswick | 15,490 | 11,460 |
| Nova Scotia | 14,285 | 11,805 |
Canadian Citizenship Processing Update
In response to concerns over housing affordability and the strain on social services, the Canadian government announced plans to reduce immigration targets. The revised targets aim for 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, decreasing to 365,000 by 2027. This marks the first multi-year reduction in immigration numbers since 2018.
Requirements to be eligible for Canadian Citizenship
To become a Canadian citizen, you must:
- – Be a permanent resident.
- – Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 out of the last 5 years).
- – Have filed your taxes, if required.
- – Prove your language skills in English or French.
- – Pass a citizenship test.
- – Take the oath of citizenship.
Certain situations may prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen, such as having a criminal record or being under a removal order.
Processing Time for Canadian Citizenship
After obtaining permanent residency, you must live in Canada for at least 1,095 days within the five years preceding your application. Once you submit your citizenship application, processing times can vary. Factors influencing the duration include the volume of applications, completeness of your submission, and individual circumstances. It’s advisable to consult the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most current processing times.
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