On this page you will find:
- Year-by-year admissions of Indian permanent residents since 2015
- Analysis of the COVID-19 dip in 2020
- The record rebound in 2021 and 2023
- Reasons for recent moderation
- What the Immigration Levels Plan means going forward
- Implications for Indian immigration candidates
Indian citizens have been the largest source of new permanent residents to Canada for much of the past decade. The data shows a strong upward trajectory from 2015 to 2019, a sharp pandemic-era dip in 2020, followed by a dramatic rebound and eventual moderation.
The numbers reflect both global disruption and Canada’s evolving immigration strategy.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Between 2015 and 2019, admissions more than doubled. Canada increasingly selected Indian nationals through economic immigration programs such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.
Then came 2020. Admissions fell sharply to 42,875 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global mobility and slowed overseas processing.
The Pandemic Dip and Rebound
The 2020 decline was short-lived.
In 2021, admissions surged to 127,945 – nearly triple the previous year’s total. Canada shifted its focus to transitioning temporary residents already inside the country to permanent residence. A significant share of those temporary residents were Indian nationals, including international students and skilled workers.
The rebound continued into 2022, with 118,250 new permanent residents from India.
The record year came in 2023, when 139,790 Indian citizens became permanent residents of Canada – the highest level in the decade.
Why Indian Admissions Rose So Strongly
Several structural factors explain the growth:
- High participation of Indian candidates in Express Entry
- Large numbers of Indian international students graduating from Canadian institutions
- Strong labour market alignment in technology, healthcare and skilled trades
- Active use of Provincial Nominee Programs by provinces facing shortages
India became Canada’s top source country by a significant margin. In peak years, Indian nationals accounted for a substantial share of total permanent resident admissions.
Signs of Moderation
After peaking in 2023, the numbers began to ease.
Admissions declined to 127,375 in 2024. By November 2025, the total stood at 93,970. If the pace holds, 2025 will likely finish below the 2023 and 2024 levels.
This moderation aligns with broader policy adjustments, including:
- Greater focus on managing temporary resident volumes
- Efforts to rebalance intake across source countries
- Adjustments within Express Entry and provincial programs
- Diplomatic tensions affecting certain mobility streams
The trend suggests stabilisation rather than collapse.
What the Immigration Levels Plan Suggests
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan continues to target high overall admissions. However, recent plans emphasise sustainability, housing capacity and labour market balance.
If overall targets remain steady but intake diversifies, Indian admissions will likely remain strong but not expand at the rapid pace seen between 2015 and 2023.
Even with recent declines, the 2025 figure to date remains well above pre-2018 levels. The long-term relationship between India and Canada’s immigration system remains firmly established.
A Structural Connection
Indian nationals continue to perform strongly in points-based selection systems. Many meet Canada’s criteria for education, language proficiency and skilled work experience.
The 2020 drop was an external shock. The rebound demonstrated how central Indian applicants are to Canada’s economic immigration framework.
The data now points to a plateau – but at historically high levels.
FAQ
Why did Indian permanent resident numbers drop in 2020?
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel and slowed overseas visa processing. As a result, admissions of Indian citizens fell sharply to 42,875 in 2020. The decline reflected external conditions rather than a policy shift targeting Indian applicants.
Why did numbers surge in 2021?
Canada prioritised transitioning temporary residents already in the country to permanent residence. Many international students and skilled workers in Canada were Indian nationals, leading to a sharp rebound to 127,945 admissions in 2021.
Why was 2023 the record year?
By 2023, processing backlogs had cleared and immigration targets remained high. Indian candidates continued to perform strongly in Express Entry and provincial programs, producing a record intake of 139,790 permanent residents.
Why are numbers falling again in 2024 and 2025?
Recent policy adjustments focus on managing overall intake levels and temporary resident volumes. Diplomatic tensions and program reforms may also have affected pipelines. The decline suggests stabilisation at high levels rather than a structural reduction.
Will Indian citizens remain the largest source of immigrants to Canada?
Indian nationals are likely to remain a leading source country due to strong educational links, labour market alignment and performance in points-based systems. However, future growth may be steadier compared to the rapid expansion seen between 2015 and 2023.
