Indians Top List as Largest New Citizens Group in Canada: Citizenship Week 2025

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Jun 06,2025

Indians Top List as Largest New Citizens Group in Canada: Citizenship Week 2024 - TerraTern

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People are paying more attention to Canada’s strong multicultural background during this year’s Citizenship Week, as Indians made up the most new citizens. The celebrations occur through public ceremonies, with the community taking time to consider Canada’s shared values. This week recognises the efforts and dreams of new residents and also highlights what’s changing in immigration. Even as Canada cuts back on immigration, the large number of Indian-born new citizens highlights how India and Canada are still connected and how immigrants play a key part in forming Canada’s future.

Citizenship Week: Celebrating Diversity and Shared Values

Canadian citizens take part in Citizenship Week each year to think about the values, rights and responsibilities that make up Canada. Lena Metlege Diab, Canada’s immigration minister, pointed out that Citizenship Week gives the country an opportunity to think about citizenship. Everyone in Canada is valued for their backgrounds and cultures, and what makes our nation special is centring its history on Indigenous Peoples and their reconciliation. Shared rights and responsibilities, as Canadians and our common value,s are what we keep in mind this week and every week.

She also brought attention to the bravery of newcomers who leave their home country in the hope of securing new opportunities and safety for their families. Diab urged Canadians to be present at citizenship ceremonies, saying he found it “honourable and a privilege” to experience this important moment in someone’s life.

Also Read: Canada Issues 421 PNP Express Entry ITAs in April 2025 Draw

Indians: The Largest Group of New Canadian Citizens in 2024

In 2024, Indians were once more the largest group given Canadian citizenship. Even though Canada’s overall new citizens in 2024 decreased slightly to 374,832, Indians gaining citizenship rose from 78,714 in 2023 to 87,812.

Breakdown of New Citizens by Country of Birth (2024)

The breakdown of new citizens by country of birth is shown in the table below:

 

Country of Birth

2024 (Number, % of total)

2023 (Number, % of total)

2022 (Number, % of 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 New Citizens

374,832

379,957

375,610

According to the data, more people born in India are choosing to become Canadian citizens each year, compared to previous years. One in four new citizens of Canada in 2024 had Indian origins.

Immigration Targets: A New Era of Moderation

In recent years, Canada has welcomed more new Indian citizens, though the overall goals for immigration have been somewhat lowered. As previously announced, reduced targets for permanent, temporary and student residents have been verified by the federal government and will remain in place. Under the current blueprint, the goal is to invite a number of new permanent residents:

  • The number will rise to 395,000 by 2025.

  • The expected number is 380,000 in 2026.

  • In 2027, 365,000 people will be living in the region.

In 2024, fewer Indians, about 127,000, were given permanent resident status, down almost 9% from the previous year. The change shows that Canada is trying to manage the good effects of immigration without putting extra strain on housing, infrastructure and the public services system.

The Role of Indians in Canada’s Multicultural Mosaic

India and Canada’s close and enduring relationship is clearly demonstrated by the increasing number of Indian-born new citizens in Canada. The Indian community has consistently strengthened Canada’s economy, expanded its culture and brought energy to society. Indians make a big difference in Canada, from working in technology and healthcare to running businesses and studying at universities.

During Citizenship Week, Minister Diab pointed out that Canada’s diversity is valuable and called for everyone to work towards a better future for everyone here, saying: “Our diversity is our strength and to collaborate on a better future for all who live here”. As Indians form a bigger population in Canada, it demonstrates how important multiculturalism has become.

Also Read: Canada Invites 500 Professionals for Permanent Residency: May 2025 Express Entry Draw

Citizenship Ceremonies: Marking a New Beginning

Central to Citizenship Week, citizenship ceremonies give new Canadians a chance to declare their dedication to Canada in front of others. Ceremonies open to the public, according to Minister Diab, are an honour and privilege to attend. They express what you have achieved through hardship and set a hopeful look toward what’s yet to come.

Problems and Chances Forward

Citizenship Week is being celebrated during a time when new immigration policies are being developed. The goal of lowering immigration targets is to support steady growth in Canada and take care of worries about housing and public services. While more people compete for permanent residency and citizenship, Indian immigrants are also welcomed as members of a more recognised and valued community.

Looking Ahead: Relying on What We Have in Common

As people from different parts of the world become Canadian, the role of Indian immigrants is expected to be central in Canada’s progress. Indian immigrants’ ability to adapt can be seen even when the number of people from other countries is decreasing. It sets out the need for rules and practices that encourage people to integrate, find work and celebrate their backgrounds.

Also Read: CRS Points Change Reshapes Canada’s Express Entry

Conclusion

During Canada’s Citizenship Week 2024, the country celebrated its ongoing dedication to diversity and showed that Indians were the highest number of new citizens in Canada. Though there were fewer arriving immigrants and citizens last year, the rise in Indian-born Canadians highlights the close bond between India and Canada and the important part immigrants play in shaping Canada. This balance, where Canada promotes its multicultural character, will ensure Indian immigrants continue to play a major role.

To learn more about the latest immigration news, contact TerraTern right away!

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At TerraTern, we adhere to a stringent editorial policy emphasizing factual accuracy, impartiality, and relevance. Our content is curated by experienced industry professionals, and reviewed by editors to ensure high standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Indians became Canadian citizens in 2024?

A total of 87,812 Indians gained Canadian citizenship in 2024, making them the largest group of new citizens for the year.

What percentage of new Canadian citizens were Indian-born in 2024?

Indian-born individuals accounted for 23.4% of all new Canadian citizens in 2024.

Are Canada’s overall immigration targets increasing or decreasing?

Canada has set reduced immigration targets for the coming years, with plans to admit fewer permanent and temporary residents than in previous years.

How many Indians became permanent residents in Canada in 2024?

In 2024, 127,000 Indians became permanent residents in Canada, which was about 9% less than the previous year.

What is the significance of Citizenship Week in Canada?

Citizenship Week is a time to celebrate the rights, responsibilities, and shared values of Canadian citizenship, and to recognize the contributions of new Canadians from all backgrounds.