Canada Sets New Record by Welcoming 483,000 New Permanent Residents in 2024
Canada has achieved a historic milestone in immigration by admitting a record 483,395 new permanent residents in 2024, coming very close to its ambitious annual immigration target of 485,000. This represents a significant growth in Canada’s immigration levels, which continues to be a key driver for economic expansion and demographic growth.
This report offers an in-depth look at the year’s immigration trends, providing insights into the national distribution, top source countries, and monthly fluctuations, as well as projections for 2025 and beyond.
Canada’s Immigration Growth: A Year-by-Year Analysis
Canada has steadily increased its immigration intake year after year, with the exception of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop. The nation has been setting higher targets each year to address labor shortages and population needs, particularly in the wake of global economic changes.
Permanent Resident Admissions: A Historical Overview
Here is a comparison of Canada’s immigration numbers over the past few years, illustrating its consistent upward trajectory:
| Year | Permanent Residents Admitted | Official Immigration Target |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 483,395 | 485,000 |
| 2023 | 471,820 | 465,000 |
| 2022 | 437,630 | 431,645 |
| 2021 | 406,055 | 401,000 |
| 2020 | 184,600 | 341,000 |
The data reflects Canada’s growing commitment to maintaining a dynamic and diverse population through immigration. 2024’s total nearly meets the government’s target, showcasing the country’s efficient planning and execution of immigration policies. Canada’s recovery from the pandemic is evident, as evidenced by the jump in numbers from 2020 to 2021.
Monthly Breakdown of PR Admissions in 2024
The monthly distribution of permanent resident admissions in 2024 shows interesting trends, with some months seeing higher numbers, while others experienced a slight decline. Here’s a look at the number of PRs admitted in each month:
| Month | PR Admissions in 2024 |
|---|---|
| January | 47,765 |
| February | 39,105 |
| March | 34,870 |
| April | 42,605 |
| May | 46,850 |
| June | 44,700 |
| July | 47,870 |
| August | 39,255 |
| September | 37,140 |
| October | 34,475 |
| November | 36,900 |
| December | 31,860 |
| Total | 483,395 |
As seen from the table, the year began with strong numbers, peaking in July with 47,870 PR admissions. This could be attributed to a variety of factors, including better travel conditions in the warmer months and potential adjustments in policy or processing efficiencies by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
After July, however, a noticeable dip in admissions occurred, culminating in December with 31,860 new PRs. This could be attributed to year-end administrative slowdowns or the holiday season impacting processing rates.
Top Source Countries for PRs in 2024
India continues to be the leading source of Canada’s new permanent residents, although there was a decrease in the number of Indian immigrants compared to 2023. The Philippines saw a significant increase in immigration, while countries like Cameroon and Nigeria also showed marked growth.
| Country | 2024 Admissions | 2023 Admissions | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 127,320 | 139,790 | -8.92% |
| Philippines | 32,300 | 26,965 | 19.78% |
| China | 29,950 | 31,785 | -5.77% |
| Cameroon | 21,200 | 11,685 | 81.43% |
| Nigeria | 20,380 | 17,465 | 16.69% |
| Eritrea | 16,585 | 10,680 | 55.29% |
| Afghanistan | 12,280 | 20,180 | -39.15% |
| Pakistan | 11,940 | 11,860 | 0.67% |
| Iran | 11,150 | 10,680 | 4.40% |
| France | 9,940 | 10,075 | -1.34% |
India’s decrease may be due to a variety of factors, including changes in the Express Entry system or geopolitical factors. On the other hand, the Philippines has seen a sharp rise, suggesting more favorable immigration pathways. The remarkable 81% increase in immigration from Cameroon points to targeted programs or increased awareness of Canada’s immigration opportunities in the region.
Provincial Distribution of PR Admissions
All Atlantic provinces showed growth in the number of new permanent residents. New Brunswick experienced the highest increase, with a rise of 35.17%, likely due to initiatives like the Atlantic Immigration Program. This program, designed to help address labor shortages, has had a noticeable impact in the region. Other provinces like Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia also saw increases, albeit at varying rates.
| Province/Territory | 2024 Admissions | 2023 Admissions | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (Total) | 483,395 | 471,820 | 2.45% |
| Ontario | 205,700 | 206,820 | -0.54% |
| Alberta | 66,350 | 57,595 | 15.20% |
| British Columbia | 63,105 | 70,825 | -10.90% |
| Quebec | 59,425 | 52,810 | 12.53% |
| Manitoba | 24,690 | 24,920 | -0.92% |
| Saskatchewan | 23,155 | 25,175 | -8.02% |
| New Brunswick | 15,490 | 11,460 | 35.17% |
| Nova Scotia | 14,285 | 11,805 | 21.01% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 5,755 | 5,485 | 4.92% |
| Prince Edward Island | 3,980 | 3,620 | 9.94% |
Alberta’s significant 15% rise suggests strong economic growth, particularly in sectors like energy and technology. Meanwhile, British Columbia’s slight decrease of -10.90% could be attributed to high living costs, especially in cities like Vancouver, making other regions more attractive.
Top Cities for PR Admissions in 2024
Cities like Ottawa and Moncton experienced impressive growth, with Ottawa seeing a 28.28% increase in permanent residents, possibly due to its government-centric economy and more affordable living conditions compared to larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Conversely, Vancouver and Toronto both recorded a decrease in the number of new PRs, with Vancouver seeing a sharp drop of 13.37%.
| City | 2024 Admissions | 2023 Admissions | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 124,660 | 135,950 | -8.30% |
| Vancouver | 47,575 | 54,920 | -13.37% |
| Montreal | 38,700 | 38,425 | 0.72% |
| Calgary | 31,140 | 27,435 | 13.50% |
| Ottawa-Gatineau (Ontario) | 27,330 | 21,305 | 28.28% |
| Edmonton | 24,055 | 21,660 | 11.06% |
Looking Ahead: Immigration Projections for 2025 and Beyond
Canada’s immigration policy remains an essential pillar for national growth. For 2025, the government has reduced its target to 395,000 new permanent residents, down from the previous year’s goal of 485,000. However, with nearly 837,000 applications still in process, Canada is well-positioned to meet its 2025 and 2026 targets.
That said, the backlog of applications could lead to increased processing times, creating a more competitive environment for applicants. Applicants may also face challenges in securing a permanent residency spot due to the high demand.
As Canada continues to evolve as a global leader in immigration, the ability to adapt its policies and manage these trends will be key to sustaining its economic growth and maintaining its diverse, multicultural identity.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
