Canada Welcomes 374,832 New Citizens in 2024: A Record-Breaking Year for Naturalization
Canada has successfully granted citizenship to 374,832 individuals in 2024, continuing its trend of strong immigration and naturalization. While the number shows a slight drop of 5,125 citizens compared to 2023, the overall trend highlights Canada’s enduring commitment to welcoming newcomers. The total number of new citizens encompasses those granted citizenship through various pathways, including grants, adoptions, and the resumption of citizenship.
Key Highlights from 2024 Canadian Citizenship Grants:
- A total of 374,832 new Canadian citizens were welcomed in 2024.
- The highest influx occurred in the second quarter (April–June), with 104,218 new citizens.
- The year saw a notable decrease in the final quarter (October–December), with only 69,593 individuals receiving citizenship, marking December 2024 as the lowest with just 18,160 grants.
Breakdown of Citizenship Grants by Year
| Year | Number of New Citizens |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 374,832 |
| 2023 | 379,957 |
| 2022 | 375,610 |
| 2021 | 137,164 |
| 2020 | 110,994 |
While 2024’s numbers reflect a slight decrease compared to the previous year, it’s evident that Canada continues to see a steady flow of newcomers.
Top Countries of Origin for New Canadian Citizens
Canada’s immigration landscape is incredibly diverse, with 2024 seeing citizens from 217 different countries. The top ten countries contributing the most to the Canadian population include:
- India: 87,812 (23.43% of total citizenship grants)
- Philippines: 37,843
- China: 14,134
- Nigeria: 13,210
- Pakistan: 10,831
- Iran: 10,350
- United States: 9,560
- Brazil: 9,381
- France: 9,250
India continues to be the dominant source, with an increasing percentage of new Canadian citizens compared to 2023.
Breakdown of New Citizens by Country of Birth
| 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 | 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 |
This data illustrates the continued growth of immigrants from India and the Philippines, as well as an increased presence from nations like Nigeria and Brazil.
Canadian Citizenship Processing Updates
As of January 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approximately 232,200 citizenship applications under review, with 40,600 cases exceeding the expected processing timeline. On average, the processing time for citizenship applications is approximately 8 months.
New applicants who have submitted their applications as of January 22, 2025 have started receiving official acknowledgment receipts.
For those needing expedited processing, specific conditions may qualify applicants for urgent processing.
Canadian Passport Ranks Among the World’s Top Travel Documents
In the 2025 Henley Passport Index, Canada ranks 7th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 countries, improving its position from 8th in 2024.
| Year | Passport Ranking | Visa-Free Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7th | 188 |
| 2024 | 8th | 187 |
| Sept 2023 | 6th | 189 |
Canada’s passport continues to be one of the world’s most powerful, reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in diplomacy and international relations.
Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Citizenship
To apply for Canadian citizenship, individuals must meet the following key requirements:
- Be a permanent resident of Canada.
- Have lived in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) out of the last 5 years.
- Have filed Canadian tax returns for at least 3 years.
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French.
- Pass the citizenship test (for applicants aged 18–54).
- Take the oath of citizenship.
Estimated Time to Become a Canadian Citizen
The timeline for becoming a Canadian citizen varies depending on your immigration status:
| Status | Time to Citizenship |
|---|---|
| Permanent Residents (PRs) | ~4 years (3 years of residency + 8 months processing) |
| Temporary Residents to PR | 4–4.5 years |
| Study/Work Permit to PR | 5–5.5 years |
Required Documents for Canadian Citizenship Application
Applicants need to provide the following documents when applying for Canadian citizenship:
- Proof of permanent resident status
- Travel history records (passport or other travel documents)
- Language proficiency proof (if applicable)
- Tax filing proof for at least three years
- Government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license)
- Two personal identification documents, one with a photo
- Payment receipt for the citizenship application fee
Common Questions About Canadian Citizenship
Does Marrying a Canadian Citizen Grant Citizenship? No, marrying a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant citizenship. However, it can potentially simplify the application process for permanent residency.
Does Canada Allow Dual Citizenship? Yes, Canada recognizes dual citizenship, allowing individuals to maintain their citizenship with another country while holding Canadian citizenship.
How Long Does Citizenship Processing Take After Application Submission? On average, the processing time for citizenship applications is 8 months. However, this can vary based on the complexity of your case.
Canada’s continued success in attracting newcomers, offering citizenship, and maintaining a strong passport ranking demonstrates its global importance and appeal. If you are considering Canadian citizenship, it’s important to stay informed and ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
