Last Updated On 11 February 2025, 9:35 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Canada welcomed an impressive 374,832 new citizens in 2024, marking another year of strong immigration and naturalization trends.
While this figure represents a slight decrease of 5,125 compared to 2023, it continues to showcase Canada’s commitment to expanding its citizen base through various immigration programs.
The total number of individuals who received Canadian citizenship includes those who gained it through grants, adoptions, or resumption of citizenship.
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The highest number of new Canadian citizens in 2024 was recorded in the second quarter (April–June), with 104,218 people taking the oath of citizenship.
The last quarter (October–December) saw the lowest uptake, with only 69,593 individuals becoming citizens.
Notably, December 2024 witnessed the lowest citizenship grants, with just 18,160 new Canadians.
Below is the yearly comparison of new Canadian citizens:
| Year | Number of New Citizens |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 374,832 |
| 2023 | 379,957 |
| 2022 | 375,610 |
| 2021 | 137,164 |
| 2020 | 110,994 |
Canada’s diverse immigration landscape welcomed people from 217 countries in 2024.
India continues to lead as the largest source of new Canadian citizens, accounting for 23.43% of all grants.
This marks an increase from 2023, when Indian nationals comprised nearly 21% of all new citizens.
The Philippines, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, the United States, Brazil, and France, in addition to India, made up 54% of total citizenship grants in 2024.
| 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 |
According to the latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processing update, the average processing time for a Canadian citizenship application is approximately 8 months.
At the beginning of 2025, 232,200 new citizenship applications were under review, with 40,600 exceeding the IRCC’s standard processing service times.
IRCC is currently sending acknowledgments of receipt for applications submitted in the week of January 22, 2025.
If you need citizenship faster than the standard processing timeline, you may be eligible for urgent processing under specific circumstances.
Click here to know more about urgent processing of citizenship applications.
The Canadian passport remains one of the most powerful travel documents globally. In the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the Canadian passport ranks 7th worldwide, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 countries.
This places Canada ahead of the United States, which currently ranks 9th.
Recent Canadian Passport Rankings
- 2025: 7th place (188 visa-free destinations)
- 2024: 8th place
- September 2023: Peaked at 6th place
Canada’s consistently high passport ranking highlights its strong diplomatic relations and global influence.
Check the full list of visa-free countries for Canadian citizens here.
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 thecitizenship test (for applicants aged 18–54)
- Take the oath of 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 |
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
Does Marrying a Canadian Citizen Grant Citizenship?
No, marrying a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant citizenship.
You must first obtain permanent residency and fulfill residency requirements before applying for citizenship.
Does Canada Allow Dual 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.
How Long Does Citizenship Processing Take After Application Submission?
Currently, the average processing time for citizenship applications is 8 months. However, processing times may vary due to application volumes and government policies.
Canada remains one of the top destinations for immigrants worldwide, offering a clear and accessible path to Canadian citizenship.
With over 370,000 new citizens in 2024, the country’s commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity continues to shine.
If you’re planning to apply for citizenship, ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements and stay updated on processing times to make your transition to a Canadian citizen as smooth as possible.
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