Business Phone
051 8439995, 042 35911332
An impressive 374,832 people were granted Canadian citizenship in 2024, following the country’s strong trend of immigration and naturalization.
This number is 5,125 less than the number from 2023, but it still shows that Canada is committed to increasing its citizen population through a variety of immigration routes.
This number covers people who became citizens by being approved, adopting a child, or reapplying for their status.
Citizenship Grants in 2024: A Closer Look
In the second quarter (April–June), 104,218 people became official Canadian citizens. This was the highest number of new citizens ever reported.
The fewest people took the oath in the last quarter, from October to December, with only 69,593.
In December 2024, only 18,160 new citizens were approved, which was the lowest number ever.
Yearly Comparison of New Canadian Citizens
Here is a comparison of the number of people who became Canadian citizens over the past five years:
| Year | New Citizens |
| 2024 | 374,832 |
| 2023 | 379,957 |
| 2022 | 375,610 |
| 2021 | 137,164 |
| 2020 | 110,994 |
This data highlights Canada’s continuous efforts in welcoming new residents and helping them become citizens.
Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship
To qualify for Canadian citizenship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold permanent resident status
- Have lived in Canada for at least three out of the last five years (1,095 days)
- File taxes, if required
- Demonstrate English or French language proficiency
- Pass the citizenship test (for applicants aged 18–54)
- Take the oath of citizenship
Required Documents for Citizenship Application
Applicants must submit the following documents when applying for Canadian citizenship:
- Proof of permanent resident status
- Travel history records (passports or travel documents)
- Language proficiency proof (if applicable)
- Tax filing proof for at least three years
- Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Two personal identification documents, one with a photo
- Payment receipt for the citizenship application fee
Top Countries of Origin for New Canadian Citizens
In 2024, people from 217 different countries came to Canada through its mixed immigration system.
India was still the most common place of origin, with 23.43% of all new citizens being from there. This is more than the 21% of all new citizens who were from India in 2023.
Along with India, the Philippines, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Iran, the US, Brazil, and France gave out 54% of all citizenships in 2024.
Citizenship Grants 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 |
| USA | 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 |
Canadian Citizenship Processing Update
The most recent information from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says that it takes about eight months on average to finish an application for Canadian citizenship.
At the beginning of 2025, about 232,200 applications were being looked at, and 40,600 of them took longer than the IRCC’s normal working time.
At the moment, IRCC is sending records for applications sent during the week of January 22, 2025.
IRCC offers urgent application handling under certain circumstances for people who need things to be done faster.
Canadian Passport Ranking 2025
The Canadian passport is still one of the strongest travel papers in the world. The 2025 Henley Passport Index says it is the seventh best, and it lets you enter 188 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival.
The United States is ranked ninth, meaning Canada is ranked higher than the US.
Recent Rankings of the Canadian Passport
- 2025: 7th place (188 visa-free destinations)
- 2024: 8th place
- September 2023: Peaked at 6th place
Canada’s strong diplomatic ties and global influence contribute to its consistently high passport ranking.
Timeline to Obtain Canadian Citizenship
The total time required for Canadian citizenship depends on the applicant’s immigration status.
Citizenship Processing Time Based on Status
| Status | Estimated Time to Citizenship |
| Permanent Residents (PRs) | Approximately 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 |
Citizenship Processing Time After Submission
Most of the time, it takes 8 months to finish citizenship applications. Processing times may change, though, based on how many applications are received and how the government decides to handle them.
Canada is still a popular place to move to, and in 2024, it will have welcomed over 370,000 new citizens. The country is still dedicated to diversity and welcoming everyone.
If you want to become a Canadian citizen, make sure you meet all the requirements and know how long the process takes so that you can make a smooth shift.
Does Marrying a Canadian Citizen Lead to Citizenship?
Marriage to a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant citizenship. The applicant must first obtain permanent residency and fulfill residency requirements before becoming eligible for citizenship.
Does Canada Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes, Canada permits dual and multiple citizenship. A Canadian passport can be held alongside another nationality, provided the applicant’s home country allows it.
Also Read: 10 Ways to Avoid Rejection on Canadian Citizenship Application