[Published
11 Feb, 2025 | 05:10 AM]
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In 2024, Canada welcomed a record-breaking 483,395 new permanent residents (PRs), coming close to its annual target of 485,000.
The latest data provides key insights into immigration trends, including where newcomers are settling, their countries of origin, and how Canada performed against its ambitious goals. Check out the monthly trends, yearly comparisons, top source countries, and regional distribution of these new immigrants who applied for Canada PR.
Since 2015, Canada’s immigration numbers have been rising steadily, though there were some ups and downs due to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. This shows how important immigration has become for Canada’s population and workforce.
| Year | Permanent Residents Admitted | Official Immigration Target |
| 2024 | 483,395 | 485,000 |
| 2023 | 471,820 | 465,000 |
| 2022 | 437,630 | 431,645 |
| 2021 | 406,055 | 401,000 |
| 2020 | 184,600 | 341,000 |
In 2023, Canada even exceeded its target of 465,000 new permanent residents, proving that its immigration policies are well-planned and effective. One major jump happened between 2020 and 2021 when the number of new immigrants increased from 341,000 to 401,000. This was Canada’s way of recovering from the pandemic’s impact and meeting its economic and demographic needs.
Overall, the steady increase in immigration targets since 2015 highlights Canada’s long-term plan to grow through immigration.
The number of new permanent residents coming to Canada in 2024 changed from month to month. The year started strong, with January and May seeing the highest number of PR admissions. In contrast, February had the lowest, with 39,105 new residents.
| Month | Number of Permanent Residents |
| January | 47,765 |
| February | 39,105 |
| March | 34,870 |
| April | 42,605 |
| May | 46,850 |
| June | 44,700 |
| July | 47,870 |
| August | 39,255 |
| September | 37,140 |
| October | 34,475 |
| November | 36,900 |
| December | 31,860 |
| Total | 483,395 |
From April to July, the numbers grew steadily, reaching a peak in July with 47,870 new PRs. This increase could be due to seasonal trends, as immigration often rises in warmer months when travel is easier. It might also be influenced by policy changes or faster processing by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After July, the numbers started to drop, with December recording the lowest intake at 31,860. This decline may be due to end-of-year slowdowns or holiday-related delays.
Overall, Canada admitted 483,395 new permanent residents in 2024, surpassing its target and showing a strong immigration system.
India remains the top country for new immigrants to Canada, though the number dropped from 139,790 in 2023 to 127,320 in 2024. This decline could be due to political issues or changes in Canada’s immigration rules, especially for the Express Entry Program, which many Indian applicants use.
The Philippines and China are next on the list, with the Philippines seeing a big increase, possibly because of better visa options or growing interest in moving to Canada.
| Country | 2024 | 2023 | Year-on-Year Change |
| India | 127,320 | 139,790 | -8.92% |
| Philippines | 32,300 | 26,965 | 19.78% |
| China | 29,950 | 31,785 | -5.77% |
| Cameroon | 21,200 | 11,685 | 81.43% |
| Nigeria | 20,380 | 17,465 | 16.69% |
| Eritrea | 16,585 | 10,680 | 55.29% |
| Afghanistan | 12,280 | 20,180 | -39.15% |
| Pakistan | 11,940 | 11,860 | 0.67% |
| Iran | 11,150 | 10,680 | 4.40% |
| France | 9,940 | 10,075 | -1.34% |
Cameroon’s numbers nearly doubled (+81.36%), likely due to special immigration programs or more awareness about moving to Canada. On the other hand, fewer people came from Afghanistan, which might be due to changes in refugee policies or global resettlement efforts.
Countries like Nigeria, Eritrea, and Iran are also among the top sources, showing that Canada remains a popular choice for people from different backgrounds, thanks to its diversity and job opportunities.
All four Atlantic Provinces - Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick - saw more new permanent residents in 2024. New Brunswick had the biggest jump (35.17%), likely due to programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program, which helps bring in workers to fill in-demand jobs in Canada. Nova Scotia also grew by 21.01%.
Alberta saw a strong increase of 15.20%, possibly due to job growth in industries like oil, gas, and technology. Quebec's numbers rose by 12.53%, likely because of its immigration policies favouring French speakers and its cultural appeal.
On the other hand, British Columbia had a 10.90% drop, possibly due to high living costs in cities like Vancouver. Saskatchewan (-8.02%) and Manitoba (-0.92%) also saw slight declines, which might be due to shifting job opportunities. Ontario had a minor decrease (-0.54%), suggesting a stable intake but with some immigrants choosing other regions due to housing and economic factors.
| Geography | 2024 New PRs | 2023 New PRs | Year-on-Year Change |
| Ontario | 205,700 | 206,820 | -0.54% |
| Alberta | 66,350 | 57,595 | 15.20% |
| British Columbia | 63,105 | 70,825 | -10.90% |
| Quebec | 59,425 | 52,810 | 12.53% |
| Manitoba | 24,690 | 24,920 | -0.92% |
| Saskatchewan | 23,155 | 25,175 | -8.02% |
| New Brunswick | 15,490 | 11,460 | 35.17% |
| Nova Scotia | 14,285 | 11,805 | 21.01% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 5,755 | 5,485 | 4.92% |
| Prince Edward Island | 3,980 | 3,620 | 9.94% |
| Yukon | 940 | 890 | 5.62% |
| Northwest Territories | 420 | 330 | 27.27% |
| Nunavut | 65 | 55 | 18.18% |
| Province/territory not stated | 35 | 30 | 16.67% |
| Canada | 483,395 | 471,820 | 2.45% |
The Ottawa region saw the highest growth in new immigrants at 28.28%, likely due to federal government jobs, a growing tech sector, and a lower cost of living compared to Toronto or Vancouver. Calgary also had a strong increase of 13.50%, possibly driven by economic recovery in the energy sector and efforts to diversify the economy. Edmonton followed with an 11.06% rise, likely for similar reasons and its affordability.
On the other hand, Winnipeg saw a decline of 7.88%, possibly due to economic conditions or fewer perceived job opportunities. Toronto and Vancouver also experienced drops, with Toronto down by 8.30% and Vancouver by 13.37%, which could be due to high living costs or shifting immigration preferences.
Smaller cities showed strong growth, with Halifax increasing by 17.90% and Moncton leading with a 42.73% rise, suggesting growing interest in less crowded, more affordable regions.
| City | 2024 New PRs | 2023 New PRs | Year-on-Year Change |
| Toronto | 124,660 | 135,950 | -8.30% |
| Vancouver | 47,575 | 54,920 | -13.37% |
| Montréal | 38,700 | 38,425 | 0.72% |
| Calgary | 31,140 | 27,435 | 13.50% |
| Ottawa - Gatineau (Ontario part) | 27,330 | 21,305 | 28.28% |
| Edmonton | 24,055 | 21,660 | 11.06% |
| Winnipeg | 18,400 | 19,975 | -7.88% |
| Halifax | 10,540 | 8,940 | 17.90% |
| Kitchener - Cambridge - Waterloo | 10,210 | 9,695 | 5.31% |
| Saskatoon | 8,505 | 9,655 | -11.91% |
| Québec City | 8,360 | 5,890 | 41.94% |
| Regina | 8,090 | 9,410 | -14.03% |
| London | 7,470 | 7,050 | 5.96% |
| Moncton | 7,165 | 5,020 | 42.73% |
| Hamilton | 7,020 | 6,840 | 2.63% |
Overall, the Canada immigration trends reflect both seasonal patterns and strategic policy shifts to balance population growth across different regions. According to the Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027, Canada is all set to welcome 1.1 million new permanent residents by 2027.
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Read More: Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027
Source: canada.ca
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