In 2024, Canada welcomed an impressive 374,832 new citizens, continuing its strong tradition of immigration and naturalization. Although this number reflects a slight decrease of 5,125 compared to 2023, it underscores Canada’s ongoing commitment to growing its citizen base through diverse immigration programs.
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This total includes individuals who gained citizenship through grants, adoptions, or the resumption of citizenship.
Breakdown of New Canadian Citizens in 2024
The second quarter (April–June) saw the highest number of new citizens, with 104,218 people taking the oath of citizenship. The last quarter (October–December) recorded the lowest number, with 69,593 new citizens. December 2024, in particular, had the fewest citizenship grants, with only 18,160 individuals becoming citizens.
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 |
Top Countries of Origin for New Citizens
Canada’s diverse immigration system welcomed individuals from 217 countries in 2024. India remained the leading source of new citizens, accounting for 23.43% of all grants, a rise from 2023, when Indian nationals represented nearly 21% of new citizens.
Other major countries contributing to the total citizenship grants included the Philippines, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, the United States, Brazil, and France, collectively accounting for 54% of the total new citizens.
Breakdown of New Citizens by Country of Birth:
| Country | 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 |
Citizenship Processing Update
The latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that the average processing time for Canadian citizenship applications is approximately 8 months. At the start of 2025, 232,200 new citizenship applications were under review, with 40,600 applications exceeding the standard processing times.
IRCC is currently sending acknowledgments for applications submitted during the week of January 22, 2025. For applicants requiring faster processing, urgent processing options may be available under specific circumstances.
Canadian Passport Ranking in 2025
Canada’s passport remains one of the most powerful in the world. In the 2025 Henley Passport Index, Canada ranks 7th globally, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 countries. This places Canada ahead of the United States, which ranks 9th.
Recent Canadian Passport Rankings:
- 2025: 7th place (188 visa-free destinations)
- 2024: 8th place
- September 2023: Peaked at 6th place
Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship
To apply for Canadian citizenship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- 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
Timeline for Becoming a Canadian Citizen
The total time to become a Canadian citizen varies depending on your immigration pathway.
Citizenship Timeline by Status:
- 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 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 the 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, provided your home country permits it.
Citizenship Processing Time After Application Submission:
The current average processing time for citizenship applications is 8 months. However, processing times can vary based on application volumes and government policies.
Canada continues to be a leading destination for immigrants, offering clear pathways to citizenship. With over 370,000 new citizens in 2024, Canada’s dedication to multiculturalism and inclusivity remains strong. For those planning to apply, it’s important to ensure eligibility and stay updated on processing times for a smooth transition to Canadian citizenship.
