Continuing its focus on understanding the causes and potential responses to the decline in citizenship uptake, today the Institute for Canadian Citizenship is publishing an in-depth analysis by expert researcher Andrew Griffith of demographic and socioeconomic data from Census 2016 and 2021 of naturalized and non-naturalized immigrants.
Highlights from the report
1. Citizenship is declining across all major demographic variables
Citizenship rates have declined across all major source countries, education levels, and provinces of residence. Notably, citizenship uptake is lowest among university-educated immigrants, who represent a growing proportion of recent immigrants. Despite higher immigration levels, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta experienced the largest declines in naturalization.
2. Family class immigrants have the lowest naturalization rates, refugees the highest
Immigrants who arrive under the family category have the lowest naturalization rates in both census periods, but also experienced the largest decline – 17 percent – between the two periods. Naturalization is higher for economic class and refugee immigrants, but these categories also experienced declines of 10 percent and 5 percent respectively across the two periods analyzed.
3. Naturalized citizens generally have higher incomes than non-citizens, non-citizen women lag behind in most labour force measures
Among immigrants with a bachelors degree, median after-tax income of non-citizens is only 43 percent of the median after-tax incomes of citizens across all census periods. The gap in unemployment levels between non-citizen and citizen women increased from less than 1 percent in Census 2016 to 2.3 percent in Census 2021 – a 155 percent increase.
4. Government can act to reverse the trend
Government should expand funding to programs that educate, encourage and prepare immigrants for citizenship, and also adopt a meaningful performance target focused on the naturalization rates of recent immigrants – those who arrived within 5-9 years. It should avoid diminishing the value of citizenship by making it a more visible and celebrated part of the immigration journey.
Since its inception, Canoo has unlocked Canada for over 660,000 newcomers, providing free admission to museums, galleries, festivals, concerts, and other experiences across the country. In this quarterly Canoo Insights Report, we are delighted to share some highlights and accomplishments from the past year.
667K+
newcomers have participated
Canoo Memberships Continue to Increase
In the past few years, the Canoo network has expanded significantly. Canoo now offers members access to over 350 partners, with thousands of experiences available on the app.
With the expansion of the program, Canoo membership experienced dramatic growth. In our Canoo Insights Report: Part 4, published in July 2023, we predicted that 80,030 new members would join Canoo in 2023. We surpassed that number by 68%, with more than 134,000 new members joining Canoo in 2023. In 2024, we expect to receive more than 225,000 new members. This incredible growth demonstrates the appeal of the Canoo program and its vast partner network to newcomers.
Sign-ups per Month
May 2023-May 2024
The following graph demonstrates the number of Canoo sign-ups per month over the past year. Canoo sign-ups typically peak during school holidays, such as July (summer break) and December (winter break). This year, the sign-ups in May 2024 surpassed last year’s May sign-ups and are nearly as high as the peak July 2023 sign-ups.
| Peak Month | Number of Sign-ups (Adult + Child) |
| July 2023 | 35,245 |
| December 2023 | 21,917 |
| May 2024 | 29,754 |
Year-over-year Change in Canoo Membership
When comparing Canoo sign-ups from the same period one year apart, we can see that the peaks in sign-ups remain similar, but the number of Canoo sign-ups drastically increased from 2022/2023 to 2023/2024. The biggest increases were in the summer months; July 2023 saw a 55% increase in sign-ups compared to July 2022.
Sign-ups per month (Adult + Children)
2022/2023 vs 2023/2024
Gender Breakdown of New Canoo Members
(Signed up May 2023 – May 2024)
Overall, 78 Canoo members selected “no gender” or “non-binary”.
The gender breakdown of members who signed up in the past year reflects the Canadian population overall, with slightly more females than males.
Children Canoo through Canada
Many Canoo members join the app to take advantage of the child-friendly activities they can participate in with their whole family. Although the percentage of Canoo members with children has decreased slightly in the most recent one-year period compared to the same period in 2022/2023, nearly half of all Canoo members joined with children.
| Sign-up Period | Has Children |
|---|---|
| May 2022 – May 2023 | 50,146 (53.5%) |
| May 2023 – May 2024 | 77,167 (49.5%) |
Top 10 Countries of Origin
(Sign-ups May 2023 – May 2024)
The main countries of origin of Canoo members have shifted since we last published data in December 2022. While India, China, and the Philippines still hold the top three spots, several new countries have entered the list: Nigeria, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
Some exciting new partners on Canoo
Canoo is adding new partners from across Canada every week. Here’s a small sample of some new partners offering experiences on Canoo:
Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum (Ottawa, ON) showcases a critical period in Canada’s history.
Le Diamant (Quebec City, QC) is an important anchor for the public, emerging artists, and creators from all horizons
Dartmouth Heritage Museum (Dartmouth, NS) comprises two iconic houses that showcase Nova Scotia history.
If you found this report interesting, be sure to check out our previous editions of the Canoo Insights Report:
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 3 Canoo Women Members
- Canoo Insights report: Part 4 Happy Canoo-versary!
- Canoo Insights Report: Canoo Across Canada
As Canoo continues to improve and expand, our quarterly reports strive to offer inspiring stories of Canoo members and highlight the essential collaborations that make these experiences possible.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from the ICC by subscribing here and following Ideas & Insights.
By Adiba Hasan
In this monthly update, the ICC Immigration Dashboard indicates a drop in PR admissions in 2024 by 16% compared to the same period in 2023. By March 2023, PR admissions had reached 31% of the immigration target levels, with 145,495 new PRs. By comparison, in March 2024 PR admissions hit 25% of the annual immigration target, with 121,610 new PRs.
In 2023, PR admissions declined gradually in the early months of the New Year, with 50,945 admitted in January, 49,670 in February (-1,275), and 44880 in March (-4,790). PR admissions have experienced a more a dramatic decline over the same period in 2024, with 47,745 admitted in January, 39,090 in February (-8,655), and 34,785 in March (-4,305).
PR Admissions by Province
The chart below reflects the impact of the decline in PR admissions across provinces. Overall, most provinces experienced a decrease in PR admissions in 2024 compared to 2023 between January and March. However, with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Atlantic provinces experienced a slight uptick in PR admissions, with New Brunswick seeing a 35% increase in the PRs admitted compared to the same period in 2023.
The ICC immigration dashboard shows that Manitoba (-36%), Newfoundland and Labrador (-31%), British Columbia (-28%), and Saskatchewan (-24%) saw the sharpest decline in PR admissions. It is worth noting that these provinces are also facing challenges retaining immigrants.
| wdt_ID | Province | 2024 Admissions (Jan-Mar) | 2023 Admission (Jan-Mar) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NL | 1410 | 2045 | -31.05 |
| 4 | PEI | 1330 | 1275 | 4.31 |
| 5 | Nova Scotia | 3995 | 3940 | 1.40 |
| 6 | New Brunswick | 4000 | 2945 | 35.82 |
| 7 | Quebec | 13360 | 16060 | -16.81 |
| 8 | Ontario | 52720 | 60860 | -13.37 |
| 9 | Manitoba | 5680 | 8855 | -35.86 |
| 10 | Saskatchewan | 5605 | 7390 | -24.15 |
| 11 | Alberta | 15360 | 17155 | -10.46 |
| 12 | British Columbia | 17740 | 24490 | -27.56 |
| 13 | Yukon | 300 | 340 | -11.76 |
| 14 | NWT | 110 | 125 | -12.00 |
| 15 | Nunavut | 0 | 10 | -100.00 |
Province Snapshot: New Brunswick
According to a Statistics Canada report, immigrant retention over 5 years has increased in New Brunswick in recent years. With the Canadian government’s commitment to strengthening francophone communities, New Brunswick has been a focal point in establishing initiatives to bolster francophones outside of Quebec as it is Canada’s only officially bilingual province.
In 2023, New Brunswick experienced record population growth with the province admitting “33,000 arrivals from other countries between July 2021 and July 2023”. The province is also experiencing significant economic growth, ending the fiscal year on March 31, 2023 with a budget surplus of $1.01 billion, which some attribute to the arrival of newcomers. As such, the city of Moncton, which houses 21% of the province’s population, has implemented an Urban Growth Strategy that serves as a directive for managing housing and employment plans for the city over the next 25 years.
According to the ICC Immigration Dashboard, New Brunswick welcomed 44,495 new permanent residents since 2018. The diagram below indicates the streams through which immigrants have been admitted, with the Provincial Nominee Program admitting the most PRs in 2022 and 2023.
What do you think?
- Given that Ontario attracts the most number of immigrants, how does adjusting immigration levels on a federal level impact provinces that have a demand for immigrants?
- What else can provinces outside of Ontario do to retain immigrants?
Stay informed about the latest immigration trends with the ICC’s immigration dashboard. Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
Today the ICC is publishing new research exploring immigrants’ perceptions of Canadian citizenship.
Our analysis combines survey and interview data from newcomers participating in the Canoo Access Pass who shared their perspectives on Canadian citizenship and the various factors that influence their views on whether to naturalize.
To read the full report, click here.
While a majority of the permanent residents (PRs) surveyed express positive views on Canadian citizenship and either intend to apply or have already done so, a significant 21% remain uncertain or reluctant to apply. Through in-depth follow-up interviews with 40 respondents, we found the following factors play a role in shaping newcomers’ views on naturalization:
- Dual Citizenship Restrictions and Economic Opportunities: For newcomers from countries with robust economies and stringent dual citizenship regulations, the allure of Canadian citizenship may be overshadowed by the advantages of retaining their original nationality. Economic prospects within and beyond Canada play a pivotal role in shaping individuals’ decisions.
- Unmet Expectations and Integration Challenges: The journey to integration is often fraught with obstacles, from navigating the labour market to grappling with cultural nuances. Mismatches between preconceived notions and the realities of life in Canada can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder newcomers’ sense of belonging.
- Challenges Accessing Support Services: Many newcomers report feeling adrift amidst the numerous integration services, highlighting a pressing need for specific accessible resources that foster a sense of community and facilitate a smoother transition to life in Canada.
In response to these findings, the ICC proposes the following recommendations to increase newcomer access and improve Canada’s citizenship program overall:
1. Establish Meaningful Naturalization Targets: Set ambitious yet achievable benchmarks for PRs to obtain citizenship within a specified timeframe, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.
2. Enhance Accessibility of Citizenship Ceremonies: Make citizenship ceremonies more inclusive and publicly accessible, celebrating the diverse tapestry of Canadian identity.
3. Invest in Citizenship Promotion Programs: Allocate resources to initiatives that promote citizenship awareness and engagement, empowering newcomers to embrace their Canadian identity.
4. Prioritize Immigrant Satisfaction and Retention: Uphold immigrant satisfaction as a cornerstone of national policy, nurturing a welcoming environment that encourages long-term residency and civic participation.
Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
By Adiba Hasan
IRCC released the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan in November 2023, setting its PR admissions target at 485,000 in 2024 before levelling at 500,000 for 2025 and 2026. The latest data on the ICC’s Immigration Dashboard indicates that in January and February 2024, IRCC managed to admit 18% of its immigration target, which represents a 3% decline from the same period in 2023.
Increases in immigration following the pandemic have sparked intense debates about the impact of higher levels on a variety of issues such as housing and healthcare. In response, the government seems to be attempting to strike a balance by introducing “soft caps” for immigration groups such as temporary workers and international students, which were previously not subject to limits. While these new limits on temporary residents are established, as well as a levelling off of PR admissions at 500,000 in 2025 and 2026, the precise impact on issues such as housing and healthcare remains to be seen.
The chart below illustrates that while Canada saw a 20% increase in new citizens in the first two months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, permanent resident (PR) admissions saw a 14% decrease over the same period.
Fewer Invitations to Apply (ITAs) and Higher CRS Scores
IRCC issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA) after a candidate successfully submits their PR application through the Express Entry system. Express Entry employs a Comprehensive Ranking System, a point-based system that gives candidates a score of 1,200 points based on their age, education, language proficiency, and work experience among other criteria. IRCC reviews and selects candidates that fit specific economic immigration programs, such as Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs.
According to earlier draws in the Express Entry pool, scores for General applications that received an ITA were between 400-500 points, with the lowest CRS score requiring 75 points in post-pandemic 2021. However, the bar was raised in 2024, with successful applicants needing a score of above 500 points to receive an ITA, reflecting one of the many ways the government is trying to tighten immigration selection standards.
Further suggesting a more selective approach to immigration through Express Entry, there’s been a notable decrease of 21% of ITAs issued in 2024. Compared to the first four months of 2023, where IRCC issued 41,059 ITAs, the total ITA issued in 2024 is 32,395.
| Month (2024) | ITA Number |
|---|---|
| January (10th, 23rd, 31st) | 3,280 |
| February (1st, 13th, 14th, 16th, 28th) | 16,110 |
| March (12th, 13th, 25th, 26th) | 7,305 |
| April (10th, 11th, ongoing) | 5,750 |
While the Express Entry pool includes numerous streams that candidates can apply under, the French Language Proficiency and general groups have gotten most of the invitations, 34% and 38% respectively.
Navigating the Backlog
IRCC’s backlog tracker indicates that 58% of applications are being processed within the established standard time, with the remaining 42% exceeding service standards.
The graph below illustrates the fluctuations of applications in backlogs. Between June to December 2023, the citizenship backlog decreased by 6% whereas PR application backlogs decreased by 3%. Notably, there was a reduction of 36,800 citizenship applications between June to December 2023, and PR applications decreased by 1,000 while the backlog rate decreased slowly. By contrast, the backlog for temporary resident visas (including study and work permits; TRV) increased by 14% in 2023, even though total application numbers decreased from 1,300,000 in July 2023 to 1,256,600 in December 2023.
The graph below indicates a steady decrease in the percentage of citizenship applications in backlog, but it is also the group with the lowest number of applications when compared to PR and TRV application numbers.
| Month | Backlog | Application | % Backlog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | |||
| July | 308,000 | 640,000 | 48 |
| Aug | 303,000 | 640,000 | 47 |
| Sept | 290,500 | 640,000 | 45 |
| Oct | 291,000 | 640,000 | 45 |
| Nov | 284,600 | 646,000 | 44 |
| Dec | 287,500 | 639,000 | 45 |
| 2024 | |||
| Jan | 308,900 | 702,000 | 44 |
| Feb | 309,300 | 722,500 | 43 |
| Mar | 304,300 | 717,700 | 42 |
| Backlog | Applications | % Backlog |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| 83,000 | 308,000 | 27 |
| 72,000 | 300,000 | 24 |
| 67,900 | 295,217 | 23 |
| 60,700 | 288,700 | 21 |
| 58,200 | 274,600 | 21 |
| 56,400 | 271,200 | 21 |
| 2024 | ||
| 49,800 | 262,100 | 19 |
| 49,800 | 267,400 | 19 |
| 48,400 | 263,400 | 18 |
| Backlog | Applications | % Backlog |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||
| 429,000 | 1,300,000 | 33 |
| 426,000 | 1,331,250 | 32 |
| 444,200 | 1,346,060 | 33 |
| 493,000 | 1,264,000 | 39 |
| 585,700 | 1,273,400 | 46 |
| 592,600 | 1,256,600 | 47 |
| 2024 | ||
| 590,800 | 1,257,000 | 47 |
| 570,900 | 1,198,500 | 48 |
| 546,500 | 1,145,100 | 48 |
Share Your Thoughts
So far, the data for 2024 show fewer ITA’s being issued and a decrease in PRs being admitted, along with a very slow progress in working through backlogged applications. As we track the changes and continue to provide analysis of the changing immigration trends through the ICC Immigration Dashboard, here are two questions to ponder:
- Should alternative immigration streams be added to an already overwhelmed Express Entry system?
- Will a decrease in immigration levels have the intended impact on housing and healthcare strains, or will new challenges emerge?
Stay informed about the latest immigration trends with the ICC’s immigration dashboard. Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
Since its inception, Canoo has unlocked Canada for almost 500,000 newcomers, providing free admission to museums, galleries, festivals, concerts, and other experiences across the country. In this quarterly Canoo Insights Report, we are excited to share how Canoo allows members to explore Canada.
$55+ million
in value delivered since Canoo started
490K+
newcomers have participated
289K+
newcomers currently active on Canoo
Canoo offers members unparalleled access to venues across Canada. Members can visit world-class museums, galleries, national parks, and more – all free or heavily discounted. Canoo unlocks local communities for members, offering opportunities for them to make long-lasting connections.
Canoo to Other Provinces
For many Canoo members, the app offers something more: the opportunity to explore beyond their province of residence and discover all that Canada has to offer.
In 2023, thousands of Canoo members travelled outside their province of residence and visited Canoo venues across Canada.
Canoo Visits 2023
As summer unfolds across Canada, it brings a vibrant array of outdoor activities, festivals, and gatherings. Naturally, Canoo visits peak in the summer months. Out-of-province visits follow a similar pattern, demonstrating Canoo’s popularity during the summer holidays when families can travel more easily.
Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors by Province 2023
In the chart below, Quebec stands out for receiving the most out-of-province visitors. Although the overall number of out-of-province visitors was highest in Quebec, the following regional assessments demonstrate higher rates of out-of-province visitors in some smaller provinces, particularly in Atlantic Canada.
Regional Assessment
Western Canada received high rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023. It’s no wonder that so many Canoo members choose to travel to visit these incredible provinces. From seeing the world’s largest T. rex in Saskatchewan to skiing in Banff to whale watching in the Pacific, Western Canada has a lot to offer. Hover over the charts below to see how many Canoo members visited each province.
Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Western Canada 2023
Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023
Alberta: Royal Tyrrell Museum
In 2023, the Royal Tyrrell Museum welcomed 1909 Canoo visitors from outside of Alberta, including 1104 adult Canoo members with a total of 805 children.
British Columbia: Science World
In 2023, Science World welcomed 2178 Canoo members from outside of BC, including 1252 adults with a total of 926 children.
Saskatchewan: Western Development Museum – 1910 Boomtown
In 2023, the Western Development Museum – 1910 Boomtown welcomed 89 Canoo members from outside of Saskatchewan, including 50 adults with a total of 39 children.
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In Central Canada, Quebec received notably high rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023. This is no surprise considering the incredible culture and nature in Quebec, in addition to the province’s proximity to 100,000+ Canoo members based in Ontario.
Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Central Canada 2023
Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023
Manitoba: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
In 2023, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights welcomed 275 Canoo members from outside of Manitoba, including 197 adults with a total of 78 children.
Ontario: Royal Ontario Museum
In 2023, the Royal Ontario Museum welcomed 1819 Canoo members from outside of Ontario, inclduing 1213 adults with a total of 606 children.
Quebec: Biodôme
In 2023, the Biodôme welcomed 6389 Canoo members from outside of Quebec, including 3963 adults with a total of 2426 children.
Across Canada, the highest rates of out-of-province visitors in 2023 were recorded in the Atlantic region. These provinces offer a wide range of culture, history, and outdoor experiences all within close geographic range; it’s no wonder so many Canoo members choose to travel out east!
Local vs Out-of-Province Canoo Visitors – Atlantic Canada 2023
Venues with the most out-of-province Canoo visitors in 2023
New Brunswick: Beaverbrook Art Gallery
In 2023, Beaverbrook Art Gallery welcomed 61 Canoo members from outside of New Brunswick, including 35 adults with a total of 26 children.
Newfoundland and Labrador: The Rooms
In 2023, The Rooms welcomed 114 Canoo members from outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, including 86 adults with a total of 28 children.
Nova Scotia: Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
In 2023, The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic welcomed 734 Canoo members from outside of Nova Scotia, including 482 adults with a total of 252 children.
If you enjoyed reading this report, explore our previous editions of the Canoo Insights Report! Discover more about the invaluable partnerships and stories of Canoo members:
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 1
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 2
- Canoo Insights Report: Part 3 Canoo Women Members
- Canoo Insights report: Part 4 Happy Canoo-versary!
As Canoo continues to improve and expand, our quarterly reports aim to provide insights into Canoo, the diverse individuals it serves, and the meaningful partnerships that bring Canoo to life for newcomers.
To stay informed about the latest developments at the ICC, please subscribe here and follow us to get upcoming content from Ideas & Insights at ICC.
By Adiba Hasan
As immigration continues to be the central debate in Canadian politics, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) admitted 471, 550 new permanent residents (PR) in 2023, surpassing the targeted PR admissions.
Citizenship in 2023
While policies emphasize the admission of temporary residents and new PRs, citizenship tends to receive less attention. The ICC has taken the lead on tracking monthly citizenship numbers through the ICC Immigration Dashboard and has also published reports that demonstrate a decline in naturalization rates.
The ICC Immigration Dashboard shows there were 379,448 new citizens in 2023. It is worth noting that IRCC does not publish an annual target for citizenship as they do with PR targets.
Immigration Trends
In 2023, the number of new citizens remained relatively stable with just a 1% increase from 2022, which works out to an additional 3,838 new citizens. By comparison, PR admissions experienced an 8% increase over the same time period.
PR by Province: 12-Month Comparison
Ontario attracted the highest number of immigrants, admitting 206,725 new PRs in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year. Quebec experienced a 23% decline in PR admissions as the province admitted 52,790 PRs in 2023 and 68,715 in 2022. While not significantly lower, Nova Scotia admitted 11,810 PRs, 840 applicants less than the previous year.
Immigration Category
Most PRs were admitted under the Economic and Family immigration categories, surpassing the target set for 2023. The refugee category reached 98% of its target, and the “other” category reached 89% of its target.
Additionally, the following table shows the percentage increase in PR admissions in the categories in 2023 compared to 2022:
| Category | 2023 PR Admisions | 2022 PR Admissions | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic | 272,620 | 255,670 | +7 |
| Family Class | 109,580 | 97,290 | +13 |
| Refugees | 74,975 | 74,300 | +0.9 |
| Other | 14,200 | 10,150 | +40 |
Top 3 Source Countries for PR in 2023
The ICC Immigration Dashboard highlights the diverse backgrounds of people who settle in Canada. In 2023, India (139,715 PRs), China (31,770), and the Philippines (26,945) resumed their positions as the top source countries for PR admissions, repeating a pattern observed in 2021. India has consistently been the top source country for PR admissions between 2021 to 2023.
The new source countries that emerged in 2022 were Afghanistan (23,745 PRs) and Nigeria (22,135 PRs), which remain in the top 5 source countries in 2023.
Emerging Source Countries
2023 also saw a significant growth in PR admissions from African nations, reflecting the changes in global immigration dynamics. The source countries that saw an increase in the number of PRs admitted were Cameroon, with an 87% increase from 2022, Congo, DRC, 63% increase, and Eritrea, 40% increase.
Every year, IRCC reveals its immigration levels plan that sets targets for the number of PRs that will be admitted through different categories in the forthcoming three years. As we continue to analyze and report, the immigration levels plan aims to welcome 485,000 new PRs in 2024, increasing to 500,000 PRs in 2025 and 2026. Separately, Quebec released its immigration target levels, which are set to admit 50,000 PRs in 2024 and 2025.
At the moment, IRCC has not published annual targets for new citizens.
Share Your Thoughts
- In the global competition for skilled labour, how should Canada adjust its immigration selection policies to attract talent?
- How can Canadian immigration policies be adapted to more effectively recognize and utilize the credentials and experiences of international professionals, addressing underemployment issues among immigrants?
Track the changing trends in immigration through the ICC’s immigration dashboard. At the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, our commitment is to make Canada accessible to newcomers. Through programs like Canoo and our various research efforts, we hope to collaboratively build pathways to enrich Canada’s diverse immigrant population.
Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
By Adiba Hasan
The ICC Immigration Dashboard indicates that IRCC is well on its way to reaching its goal for the year having admitted 80% of its target for new Permanent Residents (PR) for 2023.
According to IRCC data, 37% of the PR admissions were people who transitioned from holding temporary residency in Canada to becoming permanent residents. However, new research commissioned by the ICC shows that immigration levels only show part of the story; immigrants are leaving Canada in growing numbers.
Diving into the Trends:
The ICC Immigration Dashboard shows a pattern of PR admissions experiencing a dip every August. For reference, the ICC Immigration Dashboard shows the following dips between June to September every year since 2018:
Each year, between July and August, there’s an average decrease of 13%. However, September typically witnesses an uptick in PR admissions. In 2023, we observed a different pattern than in the previous years. There is a steady decrease from 42,405 permanent residents admitted in June, followed by a slight dip to 40,630 in July, a more substantial drop to 34,920 in August, following a further dip to 32,065 in September.
Challenges and Departures:
While the government diligently focuses on achieving its immigration targets, new research by the ICC and the Conference Board of Canada shows that immigrants are leaving Canada at alarming rates, with spikes in the most recent years for which data are available. The report, The Leaky Bucket, shows that onward migration has been creeping up since the 1980s. The findings suggest that immigration levels and associated concerns with impacts on infrastructure and public services cannot be viewed in isolation — the number of immigrants coming to Canada must be contextualized with the number of immigrants choosing to leave.
Read the full report here: Immigrants leaving Canada in growing numbers
Source Countries and Naturalization:
The top four source countries for new Canadian citizens between January to September 2023 were India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Pakistan. New Canadian citizens from Iran and China show month-to-month fluctuations.
Notably, India and China, which do not permit dual citizenship, exhibit the most significant disparities between permanent residents and choosing to naturalize.
While naturalization is decreasing among all major source countries, research conducted by Andrew Griffith and published by the ICC shows that restrictions on dual nationality has a “limited impact on overall naturalization rates“. One significant insight from the research is that permanent residents are taking much longer to naturalize. Combined with the recent findings that growing numbers of immigrants are leaving Canada, serious questions are being raised about immigrants’ satisfaction with life in Canada.
Maintaining Canada’s reputation as a welcoming society is crucial, but it is equally vital to recognize that Canada has not been paying close enough attention to the experiences of immigrants once they arrive. As ICC CEO Daniel Bernhard aptly puts it, “If we are able to attract but not retain talent from the rest of the world, then all of our prosperity is threatened.”
- What are the consequences for Canada if immigrants no longer commit to building their futures here?
- How can Canada proactively work to retain immigrants and continue to attract the diverse talent it needs to thrive in a globalized world?
We invite you, our readers, to share your valuable insights, experiences, and perspectives on these pressing matters. Your engagement is vital as we work to shape Canada’s immigration policies and ensure an inclusive and welcoming future for all.
Stay informed through the immigration dashboard for the latest numbers on PR admissions and new citizens.
Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here.
The proportion of permanent residents taking up Canadian citizenship within ten years of arrival declined 40% between 2001 and 2021. Today, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship is publishing a new analysis conducted by expert researcher Andrew Griffith, which examines this trend more closely.
Key findings from the research
1. Naturalization is declining across all major source countries
Less than 50% of citizenship-eligible permanent residents from top immigration source countries are becoming Canadian citizens within ten years of arrival. This is the case for permanent residents from China (30%), India (49%), South Korea (35%), United Kingdom (43%) and United States of America (48%), among other top source countries.
2. Source country restrictions on dual nationality have a limited impact on naturalization rates
A prevailing theory on the cause of declining naturalization rates is that a growing number of immigrants to Canada come from countries that prohibit multiple citizenships. This research debunks this claim. The proportion of permanent residents from countries that prohibit naturalization has grown, but the increase in the number of permanent residents choosing not to become citizens is higher amongst source countries that allow dual citizenship. Between Census 2016 and Census 2021, the number of permanent residents from India choosing not to become Canadian citizens increased by 47%. For permanent residents from China, it increased by 40%. Both countries prohibit dual nationality. For those from the Philippines, which allows dual nationality, the number of permanent residents choosing not to become Canadian citizens increased by 64%.
3. Permanent residents are taking longer to become citizens
For those who do become citizens, the time between arrival and naturalization has increased significantly. Between 2005 and 2022, permanent residents who arrived under the Economic category took 21% longer to naturalize at 6.1 years on average. For the Family Reunification Class, time increased 17% to 7.4 years on average. Among source countries, time to naturalization for permanent residents from China increased almost 70% to 7.9 years, while for the Philippines it increased almost 30% to 6.6 years. India remained relatively stable at 6.1 years on average. Permanent residents from Iran saw the largest increase overall, 181%, taking 12.5 years to naturalize, on average.
4. The ten years following arrival are critical
While fewer permanent residents are naturalizing overall, 92% of naturalizations take place within ten years. In other words, if a permanent resident chooses not to become a Canadian citizen within ten years of arriving in Canada, it is unlikely that they will ever choose to do so. This finding highlights the first ten years as a critical period to intervene.
By Adiba Hasan
As autumn settles in, Canada is steadily progressing toward its immigration targets for the year. The latest update from the ICC Immigration Dashboard indicates that IRCC has achieved 65% of its target for new Permanent Residents (PR) for 2023.
PR Applications Received
According to IRCC operational data, the number of PR applications received has been below average since June, when IRCC received only 20,836 applications, dropping from 41,430 PR applications received in May. July trended even lower to 17,770 PR applications.* While the overall number of PR applications received in 2023 are higher than in 2022, June and July 2023 experienced the lowest number of applications received.
*Note: IRCC operational data for permanent resident applications is preliminary and is subject to change
Immigration Category
The ICC Immigration Dashboard shows the trends in admission numbers among the different immigration categories. Despite the backlogs, all categories have reached over 50% of IRCC’s target immigration levels. The Economic and Family categories stand out, with more than 60% of permanent residents admitted. Additionally, the Refugees and Other categories are not far behind, admitting 57% and 58% respectively.
Application Backlog
IRCC has implemented a transparent tracking system to keep the public informed about their backlogs and inventories. Currently, IRCC is managing more than 2.3 million applications, out of which 35% of applications are in backlog and the remaining 65% are within the service standard.
The applications in backlog do not receive uniform attention. Citizenship applications have been the quickest to process, reducing the proportion of applications in backlog from 27% in June 2023 to 23% in September 2023. In contrast, permanent residence applications were at a 48% backlog in June, reducing only to 46% in September. Temporary Residence Visa applications have consistently maintained a 33% backlog since July.
Invitation to Apply (ITAs)
Express Entry is a system that IRCC utilizes to select candidates that best fit specific economic immigration programs to apply for permanent residence. Express Entry encompasses Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, and part of the Provincial Nominee Programs.
Earlier in 2023, IRCC garnered attention for issuing a record number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs). However, as the department advances toward its annual PR targets, ITA issuance has declined. After a sharp drop in May, where only 5,389 ITAs were issued, June and July witnessed consistent issuance of 9,600 ITAs, followed by a slight dip to 8,600 ITAs in August. French-Language Proficiency candidates received the highest number of ITAs, constituting 25% of the total ITAs issued between June and August.
After a month-long pause of ITA issuance since August 15th, IRCC confirmed that the draw would restart, which took place on September 19th, issuing 3200 ITAs.
| Month (2023) | ITA Number |
|---|---|
| June (8th, 27th, 28th) | 9600 |
| July (4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th) | 9600 |
| August (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 15th) | 8600 |
| September (19th) | 3200 |
While Canada remains a beacon for hopeful immigrants worldwide, it is essential to acknowledge and address the domestic issues and perceptions that might deter potential immigrants. The rhetoric surrounding international students and the potential consequences of decreasing immigration levels requires us to ponder whether these measures might have unforeseen repercussions.
- How can Canada ensure it remains attractive to potential immigrants, despite domestic challenges?
- Could the current immigration debate have unforeseen ramifications that might affect Canada’s image as an immigration-friendly nation?
- Given that the budget officer has affirmed that IRCC has enough staff to get through the backlog, what other strategies should IRCC implement to address the backlogs more effectively?
We welcome you to share your insights, experiences, and perspectives on this multifaceted issue.
Explore the latest data on permanent resident admissions and new citizens by visiting our immigration dashboard. At the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, we are dedicated to unlocking Canada for newcomers. Through initiatives like Canoo and our ongoing research projects, including the immigration dashboard, we strive to create opportunities and foster collaboration in support of Canada’s diverse and vibrant immigrant community.
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