Indians represent 29% of all immigrants to Canada. Since 2017, India has consistently been the top source country of new immigrants to Canada. The second most popular source of newcomers is China followed by the Philippines. Afghanistan has moved up to number 4 with 11,415 immigrants in the first half of the year.
Canada’s Immigration Targets in 2022 – an Overview
In 2022, Canada aimed to welcome 431,645 new permanent residents, setting a historic record for immigration. This ambitious target was part of Canada’s broader Immigration Levels Plan (2022–2024), designed to address labour market needs, promote economic growth, and support family reunification.
Over 60% of these newcomers were admitted under economic immigration programs, with the rest divided among family sponsorships, refugee resettlements, and humanitarian streams. Immigration continues to play a critical role in offsetting Canada’s aging population and shrinking workforce, with 100% of labour force growth now attributed to immigrants.
Number of New Immigrants From January to June 2022 by Country
Country | # of new immigrants |
India | 68,280 |
China | 16,540 |
Philippines | 12,630 |
Afghanistan | 11,415 |
Nigeria | 10,080 |
Iran | 6,425 |
France | 6,280 |
USA | 6,025 |
Monthly Distribution of Canadian Permanent Resident Arrivals in 2022
Throughout 2022, the monthly distribution of new permanent residents fluctuated, peaking during the summer months as processing times improved. Canada experienced backlogs early in the year due to high demand, but with increased resources and digitized processes, IRCC handled approximately 5.2 million immigration-related applications.
By the end of the year, monthly arrivals remained steady, averaging around 36,000 new residents per month, with seasonal variations tied to travel and application cycles.
New Arrivals of Permanent Residents to Canada by Immigration Category in 2022
In 2022, nearly 60% of new permanent residents entered Canada through economic programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Program, and various pilots (e.g., Agri-Food and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilots).
Family reunification accounted for about 25% of admissions, while 16% were admitted as refugees or under humanitarian programs. Temporary to permanent resident pathways also saw strong uptake, particularly among healthcare workers and international graduates.
Canada’s Top 10 Immigration Source Countries in 2022 Included India, Afghanistan, and China
India remained the top source country for new immigrants to Canada in 2022, followed by China and Afghanistan. The influx of Afghan nationals was part of Canada’s humanitarian commitment to resettle at least 40,000 Afghans by 2024.
Other key source countries included the Philippines, Nigeria, and Pakistan, reflecting Canada’s global recruitment for skilled talent and commitment to humanitarian immigration.
Canada’s Top Immigration Destination in 2022 for PR
Ontario continued to lead as the top destination for permanent residents in 2022, receiving nearly half of all new arrivals. Major cities like Toronto and Ottawa attracted a large share of newcomers, driven by strong job markets and established immigrant communities.
British Columbia and Quebec followed, with growing numbers of newcomers also settling in smaller provinces like Manitoba and Nova Scotia as part of regional immigration initiatives.
Top 10 Source Countries of New Permanent Residents of Canada in 2024
Looking ahead to 2024, immigration trends are expected to continue, with India likely remaining the top source country. However, geopolitical shifts and humanitarian needs may influence the rankings.
Countries like Ukraine and Syria are anticipated to contribute more immigrants as Canada expands its refugee resettlement efforts. China, the Philippines, and Nigeria are also expected to remain among the top contributors, reflecting ongoing economic and family reunification immigration patterns.
Which Country Provides the Most New Permanent Residents to Canada in 2024?
India is projected to continue as the leading source of new permanent residents to Canada in 2024. This is primarily due to high demand for skilled workers from India in sectors like technology and healthcare, as well as strong family reunification ties.
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