Canada granted citizenship to 152,185 individuals in the first half of 2025, according to new Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) figures. This marks a noticeable slowdown compared to previous years: 375,416 in 2024, 379,998 in 2023, and 375,695 in 2022. If current trends continue, total 2025 citizenship grants could fall well short of recent annual averages, reflecting a broader shift in the country’s immigration strategy.
This decline comes as Canada tightens its permanent resident and temporary foreign worker targets. In 2025, Canada is maintaining its permanent immigration intake at 485,000, while limiting growth across temporary pathways. At the same time, policymakers are placing renewed emphasis on ensuring that immigration leads to citizenship – not just temporary status.
On this page you will find:
- Citizenship figures for 2025 to date
- Why numbers are falling despite high immigration
- Canada’s new policy emphasis on permanent immigration
- How IRCC is encouraging the transition from PR to citizenship
- What it takes to become a Canadian citizen
Citizenship Numbers Drop Amid Policy Shifts
The mid-year 2025 figure of just over 152,000 new citizens is far behind the pace of recent years. In both 2022 and 2023, Canada welcomed nearly 380,000 new citizens annually – averaging over 30,000 per month. By contrast, 2025’s monthly average so far is closer to 25,000.
This slowdown cannot be entirely explained by processing backlogs or delays. Instead, it aligns with the federal government’s broader recalibration of immigration priorities. After years of record-high immigration levels during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Ottawa is now trying to better manage infrastructure, housing, and labour market impacts.
Key to this is ensuring that more newcomers transition from temporary status to permanent residence – and ultimately, to citizenship.
Citizenship as the Ultimate Goal of Immigration
Speaking in 2024 and again in early 2025, then-Immigration Minister Marc Miller reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to immigration that builds long-term settlement and belonging. He described Canadian citizenship as “the crown jewel” of the immigration journey – a status that brings full rights, responsibilities, and participation in society.
In line with this philosophy, IRCC has introduced or expanded policies that support the transition to citizenship:
- Expedited PR pathways for in-demand workers (such as healthcare and trades)
- Updated citizenship application tools, including electronic certificates and digital tracking
- Ongoing consultation on allowing virtual or “click-to-take” citizenship oaths
- Clarified language and residency requirements, making the process more transparent
These efforts aim to make citizenship more accessible while maintaining the integrity of the process.
Fewer Temporary Residents, More Focus on Integration
Another reason behind the drop in citizenship numbers may be the government’s attempt to curb growth in temporary immigration. After the number of temporary residents (international students, work permit holders, asylum claimants) surpassed 2.5 million in 2023, Canada’s immigration planners raised alarms about unsustainable short-term growth.
As of 2025, new caps have been placed on temporary admissions – especially international student permits – to ensure that housing, education, and healthcare systems can keep pace.
This shift has a knock-on effect on citizenship uptake. Fewer new arrivals on temporary permits today mean fewer permanent residents – and eventually, fewer citizens – in the near future.
Who Can Become a Canadian Citizen?
To apply for Canadian citizenship, a person must:
- Be a permanent resident
- Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years
- Have filed Canadian taxes for 3 years
- Demonstrate adequate English or French language skills (ages 18–54)
- Pass a citizenship knowledge test
- Have no serious criminal history
- Show intent to live in Canada
The application fee is $630 for adults and $100 for minors. Most applicants must also attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship, although IRCC is exploring digital alternatives.
The Road Ahead: Slower But More Sustainable Growth
Although 2025 is likely to see fewer new citizens overall, the government insists the long-term vision remains ambitious. In the words of IRCC officials, the aim is not simply to bring in high numbers, but to build durable, inclusive communities where newcomers become citizens, not just residents.
The slower pace of citizenship uptake may reflect this deeper recalibration – a shift toward quality over quantity, permanency over precarity.
Citizenship remains a critical milestone in Canada’s immigration story, and one the government is working to preserve and promote. As the country refines its pathways and caps, the next few years will reveal how effectively those changes translate into lasting integration and belonging.
FAQ
How many people became Canadian citizens in the first half of 2025?
152,185 individuals were granted Canadian citizenship from January to June 2025. This is significantly lower than the same period in previous years.
Why are citizenship numbers lower in 2025?
The decline reflects Canada’s broader immigration policy shift, including reduced intake of temporary residents and a greater focus on permanent settlement outcomes.
What is the new emphasis in Canadian immigration policy?
Canada is prioritising immigration pathways that lead to permanent residence and citizenship. The aim is to support long-term integration and community stability.
What are the main requirements for Canadian citizenship?
Applicants must be permanent residents, have lived in Canada for 3 of the last 5 years, filed taxes, passed a language and knowledge test, and intend to stay in Canada.
Is Canada making it easier or harder to become a citizen?
While requirements remain rigorous, IRCC is streamlining applications and exploring digital processes to make the path to citizenship more efficient and accessible.
