More than 87,000 people became Canadian citizens in the first quarter of 2025, continuing a steady trend of naturalisations in recent years. In 2024, Canada welcomed 375,321 new citizens, following similar numbers in 2023 and 2022. Among the newly naturalised Canadians, individuals born in India once again topped the list, reflecting broader immigration trends over the past decade.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- Citizenship trends in Canada
- Top 10 countries of birth of new citizens
- Key takeaways from the 2025 first-quarter data
- Context behind India’s top position
- Frequently asked questions
Citizenship Trends Remain Strong
Canada remains one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants, with hundreds of thousands taking the final step toward citizenship every year. As of March 2025, 87,765 individuals had already become citizens, keeping pace with totals from previous years.
Top 10 Countries of Birth for New Citizens (Jan–Mar 2025)
Here are the top 10 countries of birth for new Canadian citizens in the first quarter of 2025:
| Rank | Country | New Citizens |
| 1 | India | 20,247 |
| 2 | Philippines | 8,522 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 4,302 |
| 4 | Iran | 3,044 |
| 5 | People’s Republic of China | 2,752 |
| 6 | Pakistan | 2,463 |
| 7 | Brazil | 2,171 |
| 8 | United States of America | 2,130 |
| 9 | France | 2,039 |
| 10 | United Kingdom and Colonies | 1,362 |
India Leads by a Significant Margin
India continues to lead all countries by a wide margin. More than 20,000 people born in India became Canadian citizens in just the first three months of 2025. This trend reflects India’s position as the top source country of permanent residents over recent years, particularly through programs such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program.
A Diverse Group of New Canadians
The list also includes newcomers from Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, and North America. The Philippines and Nigeria continue to show strong representation, while France, the United Kingdom, and the United States highlight Canada’s appeal among those from developed countries as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people became Canadian citizens in 2025 so far?
Between January and March 2025, 87,765 people became Canadian citizens. This number reflects a continuation of strong naturalisation trends in Canada.
Why is India the top country of birth for new Canadian citizens?
India has consistently been the top source of immigrants to Canada, particularly through economic immigration streams. This naturally results in a high number of Indian-born individuals becoming citizens.
Is citizenship automatic after getting permanent residence?
No. Permanent residents must meet residency, language, and other requirements to be eligible for citizenship. The process usually takes several years.
Do all immigrants eventually become Canadian citizens?
Not all immigrants choose to become citizens. Some remain permanent residents indefinitely. However, many do pursue citizenship to access full rights and benefits.
