Canada continues to be a global destination of choice for immigrants, with thousands of permanent residents becoming citizens each year. In the first half of 2025, the top countries of birth for new Canadian citizens reflect the diversity and strength of Canada’s immigration system.
On This Page You Will Find
- The full list of top 20 countries of birth for new Canadian citizens
- Detailed citizenship figures for January to June 2025
- Regional trends in Canadian citizenship acquisition
- Insights into immigration and naturalisation patterns
- Frequently asked questions about Canadian citizenship statistics
India Leads in New Canadian Citizens
India remains the leading source country, with 35,586 individuals becoming Canadian citizens between January and June 2025. The Philippines follows with 14,309 new citizens, highlighting strong immigration ties with Southeast Asia.
Nigeria, Iran, and China round out the top five, with each contributing over 4,000 new citizens. Notably, several European and Middle Eastern countries also made the top 20 list, demonstrating Canada’s broad global reach.
Full List: Top 20 Source Countries
| Rank | Country of Birth | New Citizens (Jan–Jun 2025) |
| 1 | India | 35,586 |
| 2 | Philippines | 14,309 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 6,833 |
| 4 | Iran | 4,911 |
| 5 | China | 4,845 |
| 6 | France | 4,345 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 3,973 |
| 8 | United States | 3,872 |
| 9 | Brazil | 3,669 |
| 10 | United Kingdom | 2,569 |
| 11 | Afghanistan | 2,555 |
| 12 | Mexico | 2,191 |
| 13 | Germany | 2,136 |
| 14 | Syria | 2,133 |
| 15 | Vietnam | 2,091 |
| 16 | Jamaica | 1,995 |
| 17 | Colombia | 1,901 |
| 18 | Haiti | 1,848 |
| 19 | Algeria | 1,831 |
| 20 | Morocco | 1,831 |
Citizenship Trends Reflect Broader Immigration Patterns
These numbers mirror Canada’s recent immigration patterns, with a strong showing from economic-class immigrants and refugees alike. Countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Haiti reflect Canada’s commitment to refugee resettlement, while nations like India, the Philippines, and Nigeria dominate economic migration.
The presence of traditional source countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and the United States also demonstrates the continued appeal of Canadian citizenship to residents of developed economies.
Regional Representation
The top 20 list includes countries from:
- South Asia – India, Pakistan, Afghanistan
- Southeast Asia – Philippines, Vietnam
- Middle East and North Africa – Iran, Syria, Algeria, Morocco
- Sub-Saharan Africa – Nigeria
- Europe – France, United Kingdom, Germany
- Americas – USA, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Haiti, Jamaica
- East Asia – China
This diversity underscores Canada’s multicultural policies and inclusive immigration strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country had the most new Canadian citizens in the first half of 2025?
India had the highest number, with 35,586 individuals becoming Canadian citizens between January and June 2025.
How many new citizens came from the Philippines in early 2025?
14,309 new Canadian citizens were born in the Philippines, placing it second on the list.
Are refugee source countries represented in the top 20?
Yes. Countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Haiti appear in the top 20, reflecting Canada’s refugee resettlement efforts.
Does this data include only permanent residents who became citizens?
Yes. These numbers reflect permanent residents who met the eligibility criteria and officially acquired Canadian citizenship in the first six months of 2025.
Why do countries like the USA and UK still appear on the list?
Many foreign nationals from the US and UK move to Canada for work, family, or education and later choose to naturalise as Canadian citizens.
