Canada has welcomed more than 3.9 million new citizens since 2005, with nearly one third coming from India, the Philippines or China.
Those countries have dominated migration to Canada for almost two decades, according to a CTVNews.ca analysis of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada data, which tallies new Canadian citizens by country of birth from January 2005 through May 2024.
While new Canadians come from at least 196 different countries and territories, the top 10 places account for nearly half of all new citizens.
"Canada stands out among other immigrant-receiving countries in the very high level of citizenship among immigrants in the country," political sociologist and migration expert Irene Bloemraad told CTVNews.ca. "High levels of citizenship are a good thing: research shows a correlation between holding citizenship and better economic outcomes, a greater sense of belonging to Canada and, of course, the ability to participate in elections and have a say in policy."
India has held the top spot since 2021 and from 2007 to 2013, while the Philippines was No. 1 from 2014 to 2020. Together India and the Philippines account for nearly a quarter of all new citizens since 2005. China came in first in 2005 and 2006.
After India, the Philippines and China, the top 10 sources of new Canadians since 2005 are Pakistan, Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, Syria, South Korea and Nigeria.
While France came in 11th place at more than 69,000 new Canadians since 2005, the number of new citizens from France has been surging since 2022.
In 2023 alone, France was in ninth place, just ahead of Brazil and the U.K. Last year also saw a 19-year high of nearly 379,900 new citizens, up from a low of almost 106,400 in 2017.
The tiny European principality of Lichtenstein has by far provided the fewest number of new Canadians at five, followed by the Maldives in the Indian Ocean at 34.
Canada has welcomed slightly more new citizens from Ukraine (50,100) than Russia (49,400), with Ukrainian numbers surpassing Russia beginning in 2015 on the heels of war.
A total of 325 people born in North Korea have been granted citizenship since 2005, including two so far this year.
Canada has also welcomed more than 72,700 new citizens from Syria and nearly 42,600 from Afghanistan after accepting thousands of refugees from the war-torn countries.
To Toronto-based immigration consultant Al Parsai, the data underscores Canada's commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.
"The consistent number of new citizens from countries like India and the Philippines reflects their significant contributions to the Canadian labour market and society," Parsai said.
"The rise in new citizens from countries experiencing conflict, like Syria and Ukraine, highlights Canada's role in providing refuge and support to those in need. The fact that new citizens come from nearly 200 different countries and territories showcases Canada's global appeal and inclusive immigration policies."
With an aging population and a record low fertility rate of 1.33 children per woman, experts like Parsai say immigration is also vital for Canada's continued growth.
"Canada's population growth would stagnate without a steady flow of immigrants, leading to a shrinking workforce," he explained. "This decline would negatively impact economic growth, reduce tax revenues and strain social services."
Bloemraad, who researches migration and citizenship, is set to become the co-director of the University of British Columbia's Centre for Migration Studies next month. She notes that only permanent residents are allowed to apply for citizenship.
"Looking forward, I do worry about the shift in government policy in recent years to privileging temporary visas over permanent immigration," Bloemraad added. "But for those who have been studying and working in Canada for years, and who are building lives as our neighbours, the inability to become a citizen creates barriers to full membership."
Controversy bubbled for a Canadian drink company after its founders drew the ire of a Marvel superhero on an episode of a 'Shark Tank'-style reality series.
China employed a record 125 aircraft, as well as its Liaoning aircraft carrier and ships, in large-scale military exercises surrounding Taiwan and its outlying islands Monday, simulating the sealing off of key ports in a move that underscores the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait, officials said.
Canadian stand-up comedian and former talk show host Mike Bullard has died.
The 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe, Spanish scientists said on Saturday, after using DNA analysis to tackle a centuries-old mystery.
A 39-year-old British woman was killed when a malfunctioning ottoman bed fell on her neck and asphyxiated her, a coroner’s report said.
The free trade agreement with ASEAN is expected to be signed at the end of 2025. If Trudeau is pressured to step down, or if his government falls and loses the next election, Trudeau will not, as prime minister, be there to see the fruits of his labour.
An especially warm fall in Ontario means the province may not get the colourful array of fall foliage that usually transforms treetops this time of year.
Three in four Canadians support defence spending on new submarines, according to a new survey from Nanos Research and CTV News.
New data from the Angus Reid Institute shows that only one in five childless adults 50 or younger are confident they will have children.
British Columbia's police watchdog group has found an RCMP officer to be justified in the shooting and killing of a man in a Hope hospital last year.
Just a couple of weeks after a new southern resident killer whale calf was first seen, its health appears to have taken a bad turn.
A man was taken to hospital after a home invasion in Burnaby early Sunday morning, according to local Mounties.
A man has been taken to a trauma centre with serious injuries after a vehicle struck a fire truck that was responding to a collision on the Gardner Expressway early Monday.
An especially warm fall in Ontario means the province may not get the colourful array of fall foliage that usually transforms treetops this time of year.
Here is a look at what’s open, what’s closed, and what’s on in the GTA during Thanksgiving weekend 2024:
A motorcyclist is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a collision with a vehicle at MacLeod Trail and 39 Avenue.
Having never watched a live hockey game growing up Tatiana Straathof, is now working hundreds of goalies, helping them develop their focus in net.
Calgary fire and police are on scene of a watermain break along Bowness Road N.W. which has forced the closure of that stretch of road between 49 and 51 Streets.
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what's open and closed in Ottawa over the Thanksgiving weekend.
The woman was taken to hospital and is said to be in stable condition, paramedics say.
Ottawa Fire Services says it responded to 12 residential and commercial fires, including five in a span of 24 hours this weekend.
A man died of his injuries after an altercation that escalated on a platform at Guy-Concordia station on Saturday night.
Almost half-a-million Quebecers could be eligible for a credit after a class action lawsuit settlement was approved by a Quebec judge over car dealerships that charged hidden fees.
Watch CTV News Montreal at six o'clock for Sunday, October 13, 2024 with anchor Kelly Greig.
Police are looking for witnesses to a single-car crash that closed Yellowhead Trail in both directions on Saturday night.
Your home – considered to be one of the safest havens from all the external stresses – is filthy.
A girl is dead after the canoe she was in capsized near Moonlight Bay on Wabamun Lake Sunday afternoon.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Mike Savage as Nova Scotia’s new lieutenant-governor Sunday.
It was a record breaking year at the Valley Harvest Marathon in Wolfville, N.S., on Saturday and Sunday.
Halifax-based musician Rich Aucoin is bringing an end to his popular parachute party performances with one last tour.
Sometimes love is written in the stars, but for one couple, it’s written in the aurora borealis.
Canadian stand-up comedian and former talk show host Mike Bullard has died.
A pack of dogs put their best paws forward when they were finally unleashed from a lifetime of animal testing.
Residents travelling in Regina's north end were sure to witness a large pillar of smoke Sunday morning, as fire crews battled a serious blaze on Angus Street.
Even a power outage didn't stop the Regina Thunder from trouncing the Calgary Colts 64-7 to move on to the Prairie Football Conference (PFC) Final.
Just under one million ballots are being printed for the upcoming provincial election in Saskatchewan, and 27 out of the 61 constituencies currently have their ballots being pulled hot off the presses in Regina.
According to police, when officers arrived they found the house fully engulfed in flames and were unable to make entry.
CTV News will be livestreaming the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade.
The study, which uses a mathematical model, indicates that men and women may benefit from different breakfast choices to optimize metabolism and potentially aid weight management.
Just under one million ballots are being printed for the upcoming provincial election in Saskatchewan, and 27 out of the 61 constituencies currently have their ballots being pulled hot off the presses in Regina.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will host a playoff game for the first time since 2021 after defeating the B.C. Lions Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium.
The Saskatchewan Party laid out its platform on Saturday, outlining their plan if they get re-elected in the Oct. 28 provincial election.
A northern Ontario driver faces multiple charges following a traffic stop on Highway 17 East.
Canadian stand-up comedian and former talk show host Mike Bullard has died.
The free trade agreement with ASEAN is expected to be signed at the end of 2025. If Trudeau is pressured to step down, or if his government falls and loses the next election, Trudeau will not, as prime minister, be there to see the fruits of his labour.
The London Police Service (LPS) has arrested three people in the early morning of Saturday following a shooting investigation.
With one day to go in the London Food Bank’s (LFB) Thanksgiving Food Drive, officials are not only thrilled, but surprised by the community response.
One person has died after a two-vehicle collision in the Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich on Saturday afternoon.
Provincial police remind motorists about the importance of buckling up after an officer discovered a passenger sitting on a kitchen chair inside the vehicle during a traffic stop in the Town of the Blue Mountains.
A plaque was unveiled at Veterans' Memorial Park Sunday morning to honour the friend of a cadet who died in a historic Orillia tragedy.
OPP continue to investigate a multi-vehicle crash that occurred midday Saturday in the City of Kawartha Lakes, resulting in five needing treatment for various injuries.
A member of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association Hall of Fame and former Windsor firefighter who stayed active in the community despite being paralyzed in a fire truck rollover nearly two decades ago has died.
Windsor Mosque opened its doors to the public this weekend in an ongoing effort to foster understanding and correct misconceptions about Islam within the community.
The Windsor police has put out an appeal to the public, asking for help identifying a sexual assault suspect.
Just a couple of weeks after a new southern resident killer whale calf was first seen, its health appears to have taken a bad turn.
Vicki Huntington says two things are critical to be elected as an Independent member of the legislature in British Columbia — trusted name recognition and an angry constituency.
B.C.’s northern coast has been getting soaked by an atmospheric river over the Thanksgiving long weekend, with officials warning of heavy downpours and possible flooding.
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.
Nearly two years after a man was stabbed to death in downtown Kelowna, RCMP have made an arrest in the case.
The Vancouver Giants scored late to force overtime before winning 4-3 over the Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday night.
If you’re looking for something to do this long weekend, the Lethbridge Corn Maze is open and hosting its annual fundraiser on Monday.
Local photographers were amazed by the aurora borealis display in the night sky over Lethbridge on Thursday night.
Provincial police in Hearst, Ont., stopped an unlicensed northwestern Ontario driver for a morning traffic infraction.
A 32-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the death of an 18-year-old man this past January, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
Two people are facing multiple charges after a dead person was brought to North Shore Health Network in Blind River this summer.
A five-hour drive from St. John's, N.L., and well off the beaten path, Point Leamington seems an unlikely spot for a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction.
A Conservative MP from Newfoundland and Labrador says some small towns in his rural riding are overrun with crime, but police say they haven't received reports to that effect.
As millions in federal funding flow into a Labrador group whose claims of Inuit identity have been rejected by Indigenous organizations across Canada, a national Inuit leader worries the Liberal government is putting the rights of Indigenous Peoples at risk.
Sometimes love is written in the stars, but for one couple, it’s written in the aurora borealis.
Canadian hip hop artist Dillan King says running 100 marathons in 100 days was not only the hardest thing he has ever done, but the 'proudest accomplishment' of his entire life.
James Taylor never expected to be walking home with a bag full of groceries he didn't buy.
This weekend marks the fifth anniversary of a large blizzard that paralyzed Manitoba.
There was an eye-catching mix of rainbows and lightning over Vancouver following a brief downpour this week.
Jeff Warner from Aidie Creek Gardens in the northern Ontario community of Englehart has a passion for growing big pumpkins and his effort is paying off in more ways than one.
Saskatchewan’s Jessica Campbell has made hockey history, becoming the first ever female assistant coach in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Have you ever seen videos of hovercrafts online or on TV and thought, 'Wow, I wish I could ride one of those.' One Alberta man did, and then built his own.
A B.C. couple is getting desperate – and creative – in their search for their missing dog.
Three in four Canadians support defence spending on new submarines, according to a new survey from Nanos Research and CTV News.
The free trade agreement with ASEAN is expected to be signed at the end of 2025. If Trudeau is pressured to step down, or if his government falls and loses the next election, Trudeau will not, as prime minister, be there to see the fruits of his labour.
The Liberal Party has named Andrew Bevan as its new national campaign director for the next federal election. The announcement comes as party continues to face lagging polls and as party leader Justin Trudeau is facing new pressure to step aside.
The study, which uses a mathematical model, indicates that men and women may benefit from different breakfast choices to optimize metabolism and potentially aid weight management.
Your home – considered to be one of the safest havens from all the external stresses – is filthy.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for Rana brand Tagliatelle Seasoned White Chicken and Mushroom sauce, citing possible Listeria contamination.
The 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe, Spanish scientists said on Saturday, after using DNA analysis to tackle a centuries-old mystery.
Is geoengineering the environment ready for its closeup?
SpaceX pulled off the boldest test flight yet of its enormous Starship rocket on Sunday, catching the returning booster back at the launch pad with mechanical arms.
Canadian stand-up comedian and former talk show host Mike Bullard has died.
Ariana Grande performed one of her greatest hits on the latest episode of 'Saturday Night Live' – her famed Celine Dion impression.
A senior politician in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, who was also known for his close ties with Bollywood has been shot dead weeks before a key state election.
The Nobel memorial prize in economics was awarded Monday to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson for research into reasons why some countries succeed and others fail.
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ruled on a case she describes as a "bizarre mess" in a decision issued earlier this week.
Controversy bubbled for a Canadian drink company after its founders drew the ire of a Marvel superhero on an episode of a 'Shark Tank'-style reality series.
Mike Grossman was adamant he wasn’t going to fall for anyone in Australia.
Sometimes love is written in the stars, but for one couple, it’s written in the aurora borealis.
The Government of Canada honoured Floyd H. Prosser through Parks Canada’s Hometown Heroes program during a ceremony in Halifax, N.S., Saturday.
It was a record breaking year at the Valley Harvest Marathon in Wolfville, N.S., on Saturday and Sunday.
Over his quarter century in the National Hockey League, Mark Messier witnessed sweeping technological changes to the game, from the advent of lighter hockey sticks to the use of video reviews.
Some prominent figures will be added to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's James F. Goldstein SuperFan Gallery on Sunday, a few hours before this year’s class is enshrined in Springfield, Mass.
The Ontario Provincial Police says the number of fatal collisions caused by distracted driving on the roads it patrols has increased by 40 per cent compared to this time last year.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled on Thursday his vision of a 'a fun, exciting future,' an 'age of abundance' full of his company’s self-driving cars without steering wheels, parking lots turned into parks and robots that will walk among the population – that he once again promised would be available within a few years.
Dozens of cars were pulled out of the Detroit River in west Windsor on Tuesday, causing many questions for Windsorites.
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
