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Canada Welcomes 374,832 New Citizens in 2024: A Record Year for Citizenship Growth

12 February 2025   |  Canada

Canada welcomes the addition of 374,832 new citizens in 2024, reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in immigration and naturalization. While this number reflects a slight decline of 5,125 compared to 2023, it underscores Canada’s unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive society through its robust immigration programs.

These new Canadians gained citizenship through various pathways, including citizenship grants, adoptions, and resumption of citizenship, highlighting the country’s flexible and inclusive approach to building its citizen base.

Canada Welcomes 374,832 New Citizens

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Quarterly Breakdown of New Canadian Citizens in 2024

Q2 (April–June): The second quarter saw the highest number of new citizens, with 104,218 individuals taking the oath of citizenship.

Q4 (October–December): The final quarter recorded the lowest numbers, with 69,593 new citizens. Notably, December 2024 had the fewest citizenship grants, with only 18,160 individuals becoming Canadians.

Yearly Comparison of New Canadian Citizens

The 2024 figures continue a trend of strong citizenship uptake, reflecting Canada’s appeal as a destination for immigrants seeking stability, opportunity, and a welcoming community.

Year Number of New Citizens
2024
374,832
2023
379,957
2022
375,610
2021
137,164
2020
110,994

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.

  • India remained the top source of new Canadian citizens, accounting for 23.43% of all citizenship grants. This marks an increase from 2023, when Indian nationals represented nearly 21% of new citizens.
  • Other leading countries included the Philippines, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, the United States, Brazil, and France. Together with India, these nations contributed to 54% of all citizenship grants in 2024.

This diversity highlights Canada’s commitment to building a multicultural society and attracting talent from around the world.

Canadian Citizenship Processing Update for 2024–2025

The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides insights into citizenship application processing:

Average Processing Time: The typical wait time for a Canadian citizenship application is 8 months.

Applications in Progress: As of early 2025, 232,200 citizenship applications were under review, with 40,600 exceeding IRCC’s standard processing times.

Current Status: IRCC is now sending acknowledgments of receipt for applications submitted during the week of January 22, 2025.

Urgent Processing Options

For those who require citizenship faster than the standard timeline, urgent processing may be available under specific circumstances, such as:

  • Job opportunities requiring Canadian citizenship
  • Medical emergencies
  • Travel needs

Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship

To apply for the citizenship, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a permanent resident of Canada
  • Have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days)
  • Have filed taxes, if required
  • Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French
  • Pass the citizenship test (for applicants aged 18–54)
  • Take the oath of citizenship

How Long Does It Take to Get Canadian Citizenship?

The total time to become a Canadian citizen varies based on your immigration pathway.

Citizenship Timeline Based on Status:

Status Time to Citizenship
For Permanent Residents (PRs)
4 years (3 years residency + 8 months processing)
Temporary Resident to PR
4–4.5 years
Study or Work Permit to PR
5–5.5 years

Required Documents for Citizenship Application

When applying for the citizenship, you will need:

  • Proof of permanent resident status
  • Travel history records (passports or travel documents)
  • Proof of language proficiency (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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No, marrying a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant citizenship. You must first obtain permanent residency and fulfill residency requirements before applying for citizenship.

Yes, Canada allows dual or multiple citizenships, meaning you can hold a Canadian passport alongside citizenship from another country, as long as your home country permits it.

Currently, the average processing time for citizenship applications is 8 months. However, processing times may vary due to application volumes and government policies.

Why You Should Choose Simard & Associates as Your Immigration Lawyer?

At Simard & Associates, we bring expertise, dedication, and a personalized approach to every immigration case. With a proven track record of success, we guide you through the complexities of immigration law with confidence and care. Our team is committed to providing tailored solutions, ensuring your application process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re pursuing residency, citizenship, or visas, Simard & Associates is your trusted partner for achieving your immigration goals.

For more details & questions, Kindly contact us and one of our Immigration Consultant & Immigration Lawyers will respond to you. 

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Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.

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Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.

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