On the basis of IRCC’s latest data, it is feasible to determine more precisely where Canadians will originate in the future.
Increasing its immigrant population by almost 1.45 million is the goal for the next three years, with the aim of settling and assimilating almost 1.45 million people. This will boost the economy, demographics, and culture of the country.
In order for Canada to remain prosperous, immigration is essential. Rather than just becoming permanent residents, newcomers should eventually become citizens with significant stakes in Canada’s growth and development.
Since most of today’s Canadians are immigrants, understanding where they come from might be necessary, especially given the current immigration priorities. There are some intriguing new insights to be found in the IRCC’s most recent data on this subject.
According to IRCC’s latest data list of top source countries in 2022
A total of 374,554 long-term residents became Canadian citizens in 2022.
Just under a third of that number (137,079) became citizens in 2021, a moderate increase from before the pandemic (250,000 new citizens were welcomed in 2019). As a result, Canada’s immigration system is once again functioning normally and meeting domestic needs.
Following India, the Philippines, and Syria were the most common countries of birth for new citizens in 2022.
Below is a list of the top ten countries of birth of Canadian citizens who were once permanent residents:
- India had the highest number of PRs transitioned to citizens at 59,503.
- The Philippines had 41,540 PRs transitioned to citizens.
- Syria had 20,355 PRs transitioned to citizens.
- Pakistan had 15,188 PRs transitioned to citizens.
- Iran had 13,082 PRs transitioned to citizens.
- Nigeria had 12,670 PRs transitioned to citizens.
- The people’s Republic of China had 10,722 PRs transitioned to citizens.
- United States of America had 9,215 PRs transitioned to citizens.
- France had 8,163 PRs transitioned to citizens.
- Iraq had 7,692 PRs transitioned to citizens.
India continues to be ranked at the top
New Canadian citizens have mostly come from India in the past two years. By 2021, India had replaced the Philippines as the country that sent the newest citizens to Canada.
Canadian citizens are predominantly from the same top 10 source nations as they’ve always been, but the order has changed. During the past decade, Syrian PRs have become citizens at an increasing rate (third largest source country). As opposed to this year, Syria didn’t appear anywhere in the top 10 in 2019.
As it stands, Pakistan ranks fourth among new Canadian citizens’ countries of birth (and is not among the top 10 source countries for 2019). Previously, the People’s Republic of China had occupied the same area, dropping from fourth to seventh place in 2022.
Ways to transition from PR to citizenship
In order to determine whether permanent residents are eligible to apply for citizenship after receiving permanent residency, it is crucial that they determine when they can do so.
A PR is eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship if they meet the following requirements:
- Have permanent residency in Canada.
- Comply with tax filing requirements.
- Pass the Canadian citizenship test (if aged 18-54).
- Demonstrate language proficiency (if aged 18-54).
- Fulfill the physical presence requirements of Canada.
An applicant for citizenship must have physically resided in Canada for at least three of the previous five years (1,095 days), assuming all other conditions are satisfied (except in extraordinary circumstances).
Temporary residents and protected persons living in Canada can count half of their physical presence requirement towards their application (maximum 365 days of eligibility per application).
Children under the age of 18 are allowed to apply, however, they are not required to appear if they are permanent residents physically.
