By Adiba Hasan

At the midyear point, the ICC Immigration Dashboard reveals that permanent residence (PR) admissions have reached 53% of the 2024 immigration target. In June 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) admitted 44,540 PRs, reflecting a 5% decrease from May 2024 but a 5% increase compared to June 2023.

Mid-Year Citizenship Trend

Unlike the Immigration Levels Plan, which outlines specific targets for permanent resident (PR) admissions, IRCC does not establish targets for citizenship admissions. This lack of defined citizenship targets creates barriers to tracking and understanding naturalization trends, making it difficult to gauge how many PRs become citizens annually. However, IRCC monitors monthly citizenship approvals, which are reflected in the ICC Immigration Dashboard.

The chart below compares monthly citizenship admissions between January and June 2024 and the same period in 2023. In the first half of 2023, IRCC welcomed 177,920 new citizens. Comparatively, during the same months in 2024, 206,854 individuals were granted Canadian citizenship – 16% more than the number of citizens admitted in 2023.

In 2024, citizenship admissions reached 54% of the total citizenship admissions recorded for the entirety of 2023. This highlights a growing trend in citizenship uptake among eligible permanent residents.

Bill C-71: Shaping the Future of Canadian Citizenship

Bill C-71 proposes a significant amendment to the Citizenship Act by repealing the “first-generation limit” on citizenship by descent. This limit, introduced in 2009, restricts citizenship transmission to only the first generation born abroad to Canadian parents. The repeal could enable thousands of individuals, previously ineligible due to this rule, to claim Canadian citizenship.

By removing this restriction, Bill C-71 could lead to a notable increase in citizenship applications and approvals in the coming years, contributing to the overall trend of rising citizenship numbers observed in 2024.

However, the potential influx of new citizens could strain already stretched resources for processing applications, leading to longer wait times and backlogs. Additionally, it could complicate the management of social services and benefits, as newly recognized citizens may have different needs and expectations from those who have lived in Canada long-term.

What are your thoughts?

• How might the repeal of the first-generation limit under Bill C-71 influence Canada’s long-term population and demographic landscape?
• What strategies should the government implement to manage the potential surge in citizenship applications effectively?

Stay informed about the latest immigration trends with the ICC’s immigration dashboard. Are you interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here. 

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On August 16, 2024, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship hosted an enhanced citizenship ceremony with a zoo-twist at the Toronto Zoo. Coinciding with the zoo’s 50th birthday this year, 48 individuals from 13 countries became Canadian citizens among the animals.

The ceremony began with an inspiring address by Elder Catherine Tammaro, a distinguished Spotted Turtle Clan FaithKeeper. Elder Tammaro shared profound insights into the history and significance of Indigenous peoples in Canada, emphasizing the deep-rooted connections between the land, its people, and the cultural heritage that forms the foundation of the nation. Her presence underscored the importance of recognizing and honoring the diverse histories that contribute to Canada’s identity and respect towards animals.

Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo, echoed the spirit of inclusivity and excitement, warmly welcoming the new citizens to “their zoo.” This momentous occasion was not only a celebration of citizenship but also a reminder of the vibrant community that Canada offers. The Canoo App was highlighted as a gateway for newcomers to enjoy Canada’s myriad activities, museums, parks, and more.

The celebration was further enriched by a dynamic performance from Vishal Bedi, known as Blessings Flutes. His enchanting covers of popular music invigorated the crowd, adding an element of joy and celebration to the festivities. Followed by Ankita Nandawat closing the ceremony with a breathtaking and original rendition of the Canadian anthem.

During the reception, attendees were delighted by a special surprise: a visit from a couple of the zoo’s charming residents. A friendly snake and a graceful parrot. The newly sworn-in Canadian citizens, along with their family and friends, spent the rest of the day exploring the zoo—a delightful introduction to just a small part of their new home, Canada.

Happy 50th Toronto Zoo and congratulations to the new Canadian citizens!

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here. 

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@inclusion.ca. 

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On August 12th, Ottawa’s National Arts Centre hosted a citizenship ceremony for 38 new Canadians from 14 countries. The event, themed for International Youth Day, highlighted the role of young people in shaping the future. The NAC’s focus on arts and culture made it the perfect space for celebrating new citizens and inspiring the community with the energy and potential of youth.

The ceremony began with a roundtable discussion, providing candidates a safe space to share their stories and backgrounds, allowing others to connect with these experiences. This was further enriched by Indigenous representative Marc Forgette, who offered his blessings and spoke about his own experiences and Indigenous communities in Canada.

The official ceremony followed, where candidates took the oath of citizenship and officially became Canadian citizens. They were fortunate to have Marianne Keuleman sing the National Anthem with them for the first time, and Kondwani Mwase, Executive Director of Audience Engagement at the NAC, delivered congratulatory remarks.

A big thank you to the NAC, volunteers, and roundtable hosts for their efforts in making the experience memorable and ensuring that candidates and their families had an incredible day. A special thanks also to our photographer, Sandra Ivleva, who captured beautiful moments that will be cherished forever.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here. 

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@inclusion.ca. 

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Music and art have a unique ability to unite people from all backgrounds. So, it was no surprise that on July 25th, 38 new Canadian citizens from 19 different countries were thrilled to take their oath of citizenship at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. The enhanced citizenship ceremony hosted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship was full of emotions including gratitude and excitement as these individuals took their oath of citizenship. Surrounded by the rich history and cultural diversity that define Canada, they celebrated their journey to becoming part of the Canadian mosaic, a vibrant tapestry woven with stories from around the globe.

Before the storytelling circles began, to share stories and wishes for the future, the candidates left inspirational messages in the ICC guest book to leave a note to future citizens. One person wrote, “Always stay happy, everything comes in time”. These messages are to offer words of encouragement as people join the Canadian family.

Candidates and guests alike were overjoyed to have staff from the Art Gallery of Hamilton and Immigrants Working Centre act as storytelling guides to lead these conversations that helped connect the candidates with each other.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here. 

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@inclusion.ca. 

By Adiba Hasan

The latest data in the ICC’s Immigration Dashboard indicates a steady admission of permanent residents (PRs) in 2024, reaching 43% of the targeted levels for the year.

Invitation to Apply Progress

When PR candidates submit their application through the Express Entry system (one of the common immigration pathways), IRCC issues them an Invitation to Apply (ITA) notifying them that they have proceeded to the next step in the PR selection process. The chart below shows the ITAs issued in 2024 compared to 2023. Overall, 2024 experienced an approximately 10% decrease in the number of ITAs issued, (62,615), compared to 2023 (69,148).

While the overall trend is down, there are some notable monthly variations. There was a sharp increase in February 2024 with 16,110 ITAs issued, representing a 229% rise from February 2023. Similarly, July 2024 saw more than a 100% increase in ITAs issued compared to July 2023.

Immigration Pathway in Focus: Family-class

Current Trend

The ICC Immigration Dashboard calculates that between January and May 2023, 53,040 PRs were admitted through the family-class stream. In the same period in 2024 (Jan-May), 42,080 PRs have been admitted via the family-class pathway, marking a decrease of 20% from the previous year.

The chart below illustrates the yearly PR admissions for the family-class category, showing that it has reached 37% of the immigration target (42,080 of a total of 114,000) for 2024. Despite the operational decrease in the short term, growth in the family-class category has been gradual — in contrast to some of the major spikes in applications under other categories such as Express Entry. According to the immigration backlog tracker, the family-class category has been the most manageable, with backlog applications steadily declining from 34% in 2022 to 14% in 2024.

In terms of naturalization, a new report by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship highlights potential causes for the decline in citizenship uptakes, noting that “family-class immigrants have the lowest naturalization rates among all immigration categories”. The study further reveals that immigrants admitted through the family-class stream have experienced a steeper decline in naturalization and take longer to apply for citizenship (6.3 years compared to 5.3 years for economic migrants and 5.1 years for refugees).

What are your thoughts?

Your insights and opinions on these critical matters are valuable. Share your thoughts and join the conversation on the future of immigration policies in Canada.

• What factors might contribute to the decrease in citizenship uptake among immigrants admitted through the family-class category?
• What measures can be implemented to support family-class immigrants in their journey towards citizenship?

Stay informed about the latest immigration trends with the ICC’s immigration dashboard. Interested in following us? Please sign up here for more updates from Ideas & Insights at ICC. You can learn more about the ICC here. 

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On Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada was graced with a truly special occasion – an Enhanced Citizenship ceremony welcoming 43 individuals from 14 different countries into the Canadian family. Against the backdrop of Winnipeg’s rich history as a hub of trade and commerce, and later as a pivotal center in Canadian aviation, this ceremony marked not just a legal transition, but a profound cultural and personal milestone for those involved.

Winnipeg’s story goes way back, even before it became a city. It was a crucial spot for Indigenous nations and travelers heading northward. When air travel took off in the 1920s, Winnipeg kept its role as a gateway to progress, hosting Canada’s first national air services. Manitobans have been leaders in aviation, from pioneering aerial surveys and mapping to pushing the boundaries of cold weather flying and even rocket science.

The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada honors this rich legacy, gathering artifacts that tell the tale of Indigenous Peoples alongside Western Canada’s aviation history. Located on Treaty 1 territory, traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Lakota, Dene Peoples, and the National Homeland of the Métis Nation, the museum isn’t just about preserving history – it’s about reconciling it.

When the new citizens took their oaths and got their citizenship certificates surrounded by the wings and engines of old aircraft, you could feel the unity and sense of belonging. Each person brought a unique story and heritage, now part of Canada’s multicultural patchwork. Their journey to citizenship mirrored Winnipeg’s own story – one of growth, diversity, and bouncing back.

Looking back on this day, let’s keep the spirit of unity and understanding alive that we felt at The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. Here’s to building a country where everyone can reach new heights, guided by respect, reconciliation, and inclusivity.

Welcome home, new Canadians. Today’s a celebration of not just your citizenship, but the richness you bring to our shared journey ahead.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here. 

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@inclusion.ca. 

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O Canada! The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 welcomed 44 new Canadian citizens from 17 counties on the country’s 157th birthday! The enhanced citizenship ceremony hosted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship was full of emotions including gratitude and excitement as these individuals took their oath of citizenship. Surrounded by the rich history and cultural diversity that define Canada, they celebrated their journey to becoming part of the Canadian mosaic, a vibrant tapestry woven with stories from around the globe.

It was an honour to have Elder Geri Musqua-LeBlanc from the Keeseekoose First Nation share the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the importance of reconciliation on this native land. Marie Chapman, the CEO of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 also shared inspirational remarks to the audience as they continue on their Canadian journey.

The award-winning women’s acapella chorus, The ScotianAires Chorus, led the national anthem as the newly-sworn-in Canadian citizens and their guests rejoiced, they symbolized unity and celebration on both the nation’s most significant day and theirs. The beautiful performance summed up the shared pride and sense of belonging that comes with embracing Canada as home.

Although the candidates came from different parts of the world, they shared the awe and admiration for Canada’s rich tapestry of diversity and inclusivity. They expressed eagerness to contribute their unique traditions and cultures to their new home, enriching the mosaic that defines modern Canadian identity. Their collective excitement reflected a profound appreciation for the welcoming spirit of Canada, where individuals from all backgrounds come together to form a vibrant community united by shared values of tolerance, respect, and opportunity.

Happy Canada Day!

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here. 

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@inclusion.ca. 

Continuing its focus on understanding the causes and potential responses to the decline in citizenship uptake, today the Institute for Canadian Citizenship is publishing an in-depth analysis by expert researcher Andrew Griffith of demographic and socioeconomic data from Census 2016 and 2021 of naturalized and non-naturalized immigrants. 

Highlights from the report

1. Citizenship is declining across all major demographic variables

Citizenship rates have declined across all major source countries, education levels, and provinces of residence. Notably, citizenship uptake is lowest among university-educated immigrants, who represent a growing proportion of recent immigrants. Despite higher immigration levels, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta experienced the largest declines in naturalization.

2. Family class immigrants have the lowest naturalization rates, refugees the highest

Immigrants who arrive under the family category have the lowest naturalization rates in both census periods, but also experienced the largest decline – 17 percent – between the two periods. Naturalization is higher for economic class and refugee immigrants, but these categories also experienced declines of 10 percent and 5 percent respectively across the two periods analyzed.

3. Naturalized citizens generally have higher incomes than non-citizens, non-citizen women lag behind in most labour force measures

Among immigrants with a bachelors degree, median after-tax income of non-citizens is only 43 percent of the median after-tax incomes of citizens across all census periods. The gap in unemployment levels between non-citizen and citizen women increased from less than 1 percent in Census 2016 to 2.3 percent in Census 2021 – a 155 percent increase.

4. Government can act to reverse the trend

Government should expand funding to programs that educate, encourage and prepare immigrants for citizenship, and also adopt a meaningful performance target focused on the naturalization rates of recent immigrants – those who arrived within 5-9 years. It should avoid diminishing the value of citizenship by making it a more visible and celebrated part of the immigration journey.

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On a bright Canada Day morning, Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre became a symbolic stage for 50 individuals from 20 different countries embarking on a special journey: becoming Canadian citizens. Against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario and the city skyline, the ceremony was a joyful celebration of diversity and unity.

The event featured inspiring speakers who congratulated and welcomed the new citizens and their families. Laura McLeod, Director of Cultural Engagement at Harbourfront Centre, passionately spoke about the role of arts and culture in fostering belonging. Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, emphasized the values of citizenship and the importance of embracing Canada’s multicultural fabric. Dawit Demoz, Community Relations Manager at Jumpstart Refugee Talent, shared his personal story, inspiring everyone with his journey to belonging.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere were captivating musical performances. Amanda Martinez, known for her blend of Mexican and South African influences, sang an anthem that resonated with themes of unity. Vishal Bedi, a talented flutist with a passion for beautiful music, enchanted the audience with melodies that invited everyone to dance and enjoy the moment.

As the ceremony concluded, amidst cheers and applause, the new citizens joined in celebrating Canada Day. July 1st is a special day for Canadians to reflect on their history, values, and achievements together. For the new citizens, it wasn’t just about legal recognition—it marked the start of a new chapter with many opportunities in their new home.

This Canadian citizenship ceremony at Harbourfront Centre underscored Canada’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity. It showcased how cultural institutions like Harbourfront Centre play a pivotal role in fostering community and belonging among all Canadians.

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here. 

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@inclusion.ca. 

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On June 5th, 2024, the ICC hosted an Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony in Vancouver at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site marking a significant moment in the lives of 28 individuals who became new Canadian citizens. The ceremony was not only a celebration of their citizenship but also a testament to the spirit of inclusion and identity as we celebrated Pride Month.

The candidates and guests joined roundtable hosts from Immigrant Networks and MOSAIC: Settlement and Employment Services for Newcomers to share what it means for them to either become citizens or watch their family members and friends become one. It was inspiring to hear from the President of Alture Properties, Peter Cheung share his own migration story from Vietnam in 1980. He has dedicated his time in Canada to helping newcomers establish themselves here just as he did.

The ceremony highlighted Pride Month where “2SLGBTQI+ communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities“. As we welcome new citizens, we remind them that in Canada human rights are at the pillar of the country’s values, and we encourage everyone to celebrate, respect, and uplift all people.

The ceremony concluded with a beautiful performance by Elisa Thorn who played the harp for the newly sworn-in Canadian citizens and rejoiced in the rendition of the national anthem by Cinnamon Sandhu.

This ceremony not only welcomed new citizens but also reinforced the values of inclusivity and identity in their new home country.

Happy Pride!

To view photos of the Citizenship Ceremony, click here. 

With ICC’s Enhanced Citizenship Ceremonies, established Canadians have the ability to connect with new citizens building stronger community relationships. If you are interested in volunteering as a roundtable host at one of our ceremonies, please contact ceremonies@inclusion.ca.