Over the past few decades, more people than ever have chosen Canada as their new home. But surprisingly, citizenship rates in Canada have been declining, especially among those who arrived in recent years. According to a joint study by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Statistics Canada, only 45.7% of immigrants who landed five to nine years ago had obtained Canadian citizenship by 2021. That’s a dramatic drop from 75.4% in 1996.
This shift is raising new questions about what’s changed, and why more permanent residents are not taking the final step to citizenship.
Fewer Canadian Citizenship Applications, But Canada Remains a Global Leader
There’s no single reason behind the trend. But experts are exploring a combination of factors:
- Post-COVID backlogs and delays
- Tighter global migration patterns
- Stronger economies in countries like India and China
- Policy shifts in Canada affecting naturalization timelines
Unlike the 90s, today’s immigrants often move back and forth between countries. Some see Canada as one stop in a global career, not necessarily the final destination. Here’s how the trend looks over the years for immigrants who became permanent residents five to nine years prior:
| Year | Citizenship Rate (Census) | Rate (Tax Filers) | Rate (All Landed Immigrants) |
| 2011 | 67.5% | 66.5% | 59.4% |
| 2016 | 60.4% | 60.0% | 53.4% |
| 2021 | 45.7% | 46.8% | 42.9% |
Clearly, no matter the source, citizenship rates have dropped across the board.
Comparing Canada to the United States
Some might wonder—is this decline unique to Canada? Not entirely. Researchers have tried comparing citizenship rates in Canada with those in the U.S., but that’s not a straightforward task.
The U.S. data is split into two main sources:
- American Community Survey (ACS) – Includes all foreign-born people, even those not eligible for citizenship.
- Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) data – More aligned with Canadian immigration records, but lacks important details like education or income.
In some U.S. studies, citizenship rates appear much lower because the ACS includes undocumented and temporary migrants, groups not counted in Canada’s permanent resident-focused stats.
For example:
| Country | Year | Canada (Census) | U.S. (ACS) |
| China | 2006 | 89.9% | 33.1% |
| India | 2003 | 77.1% | 34.0% |
| Philippines | 2008 | 79.4% | 58.1% |
When adjusted to only count eligible migrants, U.S. rates get closer to Canada’s. Still, access and consistency make Canada’s data much more detailed and reliable for policy planning.
Why This Matters for the Future of Canadian Immigration
Canada is known for its strong immigration system. But a falling citizenship rate may point to deeper barriers:
- Costly application fees
- Longer wait times
- Complicated processes for proving intent to stay
- Struggles with integration or job market outcomes
Citizenship isn’t just a passport—it represents full belonging. Voting rights. Political participation. The ability to pass on status to children. If more newcomers feel stuck in limbo, it could impact how they connect with life in Canada and how likely they are to stay long term.
Data Gaps: A Challenge in Cross-Country Comparisons
Cross-border comparisons reveal another problem: data gaps. Canada’s immigration system allows detailed tracking of permanent residents, their income levels, education, and how they progress over time. In the U.S., limited access to permanent resident data and the inclusion of large numbers of temporary or undocumented migrants often muddles the waters.
Even when using the most comparable sources—like Canada’s immigration administrative records and U.S. LPR files—citizenship rates tend to be higher in Canada, especially within the same 10-year cohort.
Citizenship Rates in Canada Need Attention
While immigration continues to power Canada’s population growth and workforce, the drop in citizenship rates in Canada signals a need for review. Streamlining the path to citizenship, making the process more affordable, and removing hidden barriers could help rebuild the trust and connection many immigrants seek.
At ImmigCanada, we believe becoming a Canadian citizen is more than a legal step—it’s about feeling truly at home. If you or your family are considering citizenship or facing delays in your application, our experts can guide you through every detail. Let’s make sure Canada remains a place where newcomers don’t just arrive—they stay, thrive, and belong.
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