Canada’s Immigration Surges All Time High in 2024 at 438K. What’s the Road Ahead for 2025?
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Canada admitted 4,83,395 new permanent residents in 2024 nearly reaching its official target of 4,85,000 set for the year This marks a continued rise in immigration, reinforcing Canada's reliance on newcomers for economic growth.
Also Explore: Why is Canada the Top Destination for Global Job Seekers?
Year on Year Growth and Immigration Trends in Canada
Since 2015, Canada has steadily increased its PR intake with a significant surge post pandemic. The 2024 figure surpasses 2023's 471,820 PRs, showing strong execution of immigration policies.
| Year | PR Admitted | Immigration Target |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 483,395 | 485,000 |
| 2023 | 471,820 | 465,000 |
| 2022 | 437,630 | 431,645 |
| 2021 | 406,055 | 401,000 |
| 2020 | 184,600 | 341,000 |
Want to know How Does New Express Entry Policy Impacts CRS Score in 2025? Check out the link for details.
Monthly Canada PR Admissions in 2024
PR intake fluctuated throughout the year with January to May seeing the highest numbers of admissions while December recorded to be the lowest.
| Month | PRs Admitted |
|---|---|
| January | 47,765 |
| February | 39,105 |
| March | 34,870 |
| April | 42,605 |
| May | 46,850 |
| June | 44,700 |
| July | 47,870 |
| August | 39,255 |
| September | 37,140 |
| October | 34,475 |
| November | 36,900 |
| December | 31,860 |
| Total | 483,395 |
- PR admissions peaked in July (about 47,870) likely due to favorable travel conditions and policy changes
- While the slowdown in December may be attributed to administrative delays during the holiday season
Top 10 Source Countries of Canada PR Applicants in 2024
India remains the leading source country despite a drop from 139,790 in 2023 to 127,320 in 2024. Meanwhile, Cameroon nationals rate saw an 81% surge in PRs, while Afghanistan noted a sharp decline.
| Country | 2024 | 2023 | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 127,320 | 139,790 | -8.92% |
| Philippines | 32,300 | 26,965 | 19.78% |
| China | 29,950 | 31,785 | -5.77% |
| Cameroon | 21,200 | 11,685 | 81.43% |
| Nigeria | 20,380 | 17,465 | 16.69% |
| Eritrea | 16,585 | 10,680 | 55.29% |
| Afghanistan | 12,280 | 20,180 | -39.15% |
| Pakistan | 11,940 | 11,860 | 0.67% |
| Iran | 11,150 | 10,680 | 4.40% |
| France | 9,940 | 10,075 | -1.34% |
Also Explore: Trends in International Student Enrollment in Canada
Regional Distribution of New PRs in 2024
Ontario remains the top destination among new PR holders, followed by Alberta and Quebec also witnessed notable increases, while British Columbia and Saskatchewan recorded declines compared to the previous year.
| Location | 2024 New PRs | 2023 New PRs | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 483,395 | 471,820 | 2.45% |
| Ontario | 205,700 | 206,820 | -0.54% |
| Alberta | 66,350 | 57,595 | 15.20% |
| British Columbia | 63,105 | 70,825 | -10.90% |
| Quebec | 59,425 | 52,810 | 12.53% |
| Manitoba | 24,690 | 24,920 | -0.92% |
| Saskatchewan | 23,155 | 25,175 | -8.02% |
| New Brunswick | 15,490 | 11,460 | 35.17% |
| Nova Scotia | 14,285 | 11,805 | 21.01% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 5,755 | 5,485 | 4.92% |
| Prince Edward Island | 3,980 | 3,620 | 9.94% |
| Yukon | 940 | 890 | 5.62% |
| Northwest Territories | 420 | 330 | 27.27% |
| Nunavut | 65 | 55 | 18.18% |
| Province/territory not stated | 35 | 30 | 16.67% |
1. Atlantic Provinces PR Growth Rate:
- All Atlantic Provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, saw an increase in PR admission
- New Brunswick had the highest growth at 35.17%, likely due to the Atlantic immigration program targeting population growth and labour shortages.
- Nova Scotia was ranked second among the Atlantic Provinces witnessing a significant rise of 21.01%
2. Alberta PR Growth Rate:
- Alberta witnessed a 15.20% increase in PRs.
- This growth is speculated to be driven by economic recovery, oil and gas, and tech sector expansion.
3. Quebec PR Growth Rate:
- Quebec witnessed a 12.53% increase in PRs.
- This growth was due to the increase immigration policies favor for French speaking immigrants
4. British Columbia PR Growth Rate:
- British Columbia witnessed a 10.90 percent decline in pr's.
- This decline was speculated to be due to high cost of living in Manpower as one of the major factors
5. Saskatchewan PR Growth Rate:
- Saskatchewan witnessed a decline of 8.02% in PR
- This decline could possibly be due to economic challenges or shifting immigration focus among aspirants
6. Manitoba PR Growth Rate:
- Manitoba also witnessed a slight decline of 0.92% indicating stable pr intakes with minor shifts
7. Ontario PR Growth Rate:
- Ontario as well, witnessed a slight decline of 0.4 5% suggesting stabilisation or shift in immigration patterns due to housing and economic factors.
Top Cities for PRs in Canada in 2024
Where Toronto and Vancouver saw decline in pr's Ottawa Gatineau and Moncton witnessed the highest growth among the Canadian cities for PR in 2024.
| City | New PRs In 2024 | New PRs in 2023 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 124,660 | 135,950 | -8.30% |
| Vancouver | 47,575 | 54,920 | -13.37% |
| Montréal | 38,700 | 38,425 | 0.72% |
| Calgary | 31,140 | 27,435 | 13.50% |
| Ottawa – Gatineau (Ontario part) | 27,330 | 21,305 | 28.28% |
| Edmonton | 24,055 | 21,660 | 11.06% |
| Winnipeg | 18,400 | 19,975 | -7.88% |
| Halifax | 10,540 | 8,940 | 17.90% |
| Kitchener – Cambridge – Waterloo | 10,210 | 9,695 | 5.31% |
| Saskatoon | 8,505 | 9,655 | -11.91% |
| Québec City | 8,360 | 5,890 | 41.94% |
| Regina | 8,090 | 9,410 | -14.03% |
| London | 7,470 | 7,050 | 5.96% |
| Moncton | 7,165 | 5,020 | 42.73% |
| Hamilton | 7,020 | 6,840 | 2.63% |
Also Explore: How Express Entry Tie Breaker Rule Boosts Your Canada PR Chances?
Canada PR Targets for PR in 2025 and Beyond
Canada welcomed 483,395 new permanent residents in 2024 nearly reaching its target and reinforcing its reputation as a top destination for global talent and diversity. However for 2025 and 2026, Canada has lowered its PR targets to 395,000 and 380,000 each respectively.
As of December 31, 2024, 836,900 PR applications were in process - enough to meet both year's targets. This suggests that while Canada will easily achieve its immigration goals, new applicants may face tougher competition and longer visa processing times due to the high volume of Immigration backlog
Going forward, it will be essential to track how new applicants integrate into Canadian society, contribute to the economy, and how regional policies adapt to this sustained influx.
Also Explore: IRCC Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025 - 2027
Canada PR in Plans? GetGIS Assistance is All You Need
Canada's record PR intake in 2024 highlights a well managed immigration system through shifting policies and reducing targets may challenge new applicants. Monitoring these trends will be crucial for prospective immigrants planning their move to Canada.
Do you also aspire to work and settle in Canada? Look no further than GetGIS. Our immigration assistance team is here to facilitate all your Canada PR requirements along with Job search assistance, ensuring a smooth and seamless visa application process and integration into Canadian land.
