Canada launches citizenship week: 87K Indians had obtained citizenship in 2024
Canada has launched its annual 'Citizenship Week', which runs from May 26 to June 1. In 2024, a total of 3.74 lakh individuals were granted Canadian citizenship, with Indian nationals making up the largest group—accounting for 23% of the total.
While this marks a slight decrease from the 3. 80 lakh (rounded off) new citizens in 2023, the number of Indians acquiring Canadian citizenship rose significantly, from 78,714 in 2023 to 87,812 in 2024.
Lena Metlege Diab, Canada's immigration minister said, 'Each year, Citizenship Week offers our country an occasion to reflect on the meaning of citizenship. Canada is a mosaic that includes Canadians of all backgrounds and cultures, and that holds at its centre the histories of Indigenous Peoples and our commitment to reconciliation.
This week, and every week, we embrace the shared rights and responsibilities that come with Canadian citizenship and remember the common values that define us as Canadians.
We also take this moment to recognize that our diversity is our strength and to collectively recommit to building a better future for all who live here.'
'It takes incredible courage to face the challenges and uncertainty of a new place, and to seek better opportunities and security for one's family.
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As Canadians, it is our responsibility to continue to highlight the value that immigration brings to Canada, and to protect the inherent rights and dignity of those who seek to call it home. 'I encourage people across the country to attend one of the many citizenship ceremonies open to the public this week.
Being part of this important milestone in someone's life is an honour and a privilege,' she added.
However, the re-elected Liberal government will continue with the lower targets set in the immigration levels plan for both permanent residents and temporary residents (which includes international students).
For permanent residents, who then have a pathway to Canadian citizenship, the target set has been 3.95 lakh permanent residents in 2025, 3.80 lakh for 2026 and 3.65 lakh in 2027. India is the largest source country, with 1.27 lakh Indians being admitted as permanent residents in 2024, even as this was a decline of nearly 9% over the previous year.
Indians were the largest group to acquire citizenship
Country of Birth
2024 (% to total)
2023 (% to total)
2022 (% to total)
India
87,812 (23.4%)
78,714 (20.7%)
59,580 (15.8%)
Philippines
37,843 (10%)
36,871 (9.7%)
41,586 (11%)
China
14,134 (3.7%)
12,621 (3.3%)
10,821 (2.9%)
Total number of foreign nations who acquired citizenship
3,74,832
3,79,957
3,75,610
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