Immigration Announcement
India Leads as Canada’s Top Source Country for New Permanent Residents in 2024

Canada continues to stand out as a prime destination for immigrants seeking better opportunities, stability, and an improved quality of life. In 2024, immigration trends show a significant influx of new permanent residents from diverse countries, with India once again topping the list. With Canada’s focus on attracting skilled workers and expanding its multicultural fabric, certain regions have solidified their roles as key contributors to the country’s growing population.
Over the past decade, the immigration landscape in Canada has undergone substantial changes. While nations like India, China, and the Philippines have long been major sources of new residents, 2024 marks the rising prominence of several African countries. This year, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Eritrea are making a notable impact on Canada’s immigration numbers, contributing to the nation’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.
India Dominates New Permanent Resident Numbers in 2024
In the first seven months of 2024, more than 170,000 new permanent residents arrived in Canada from just the top ten source countries. India continues to dominate, with over 86,000 new arrivals during this period, and projections indicate that the total for the year could surpass 148,000. This figure is almost four times higher than what Canada received from India a decade ago. Indian immigrants are integral to sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering, further enhancing Canada’s workforce.
The Philippines and China also remain significant contributors. The Philippines, with over 20,000 new permanent residents in the first half of the year, is projected to bring in more than 35,000 by year’s end. Meanwhile, China is expected to contribute over 32,000 new residents by the close of 2024.
The Rising Influence of African Nations
A key development in 2024 is the increasing number of immigrants from African nations. Countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Eritrea are emerging as crucial contributors. Nigeria, for instance, is projected to send over 21,000 new permanent residents by the end of the year, a sharp increase from the 11,000 Nigerians who immigrated to Canada in 2015. Similarly, Cameroon and Eritrea are becoming more prominent, with projected totals of 19,000 and 13,000 immigrants, respectively.
This growing African presence reflects Canada’s efforts to diversify its immigration sources, providing opportunities to people from all corners of the globe.
Shifting Immigration Patterns
Comparing 2024 to previous years, the list of countries contributing the most permanent residents to Canada has evolved. In the past, countries like the United States and the United Kingdom were among the top contributors. However, they no longer rank in the top ten in 2024. Meanwhile, countries such as Afghanistan and Iran are rising in importance. By the end of the year, it’s anticipated that more than 15,000 immigrants from Afghanistan will have made Canada their home, compared to just under 10,000 in 2015.
Iran and Pakistan also continue to supply significant numbers of new residents, with projections of over 13,000 and 11,500 new permanent residents, respectively, by the close of 2024.
A Diverse Future for Canada
Canada’s immigration trends in 2024 highlight its commitment to embracing diversity, with the influx of newcomers from around the world continuing to enrich its society. India, the Philippines, and China remain key contributors, while the increased presence of African nations signifies a dynamic shift in immigration patterns. Canada’s multicultural future is as vibrant as ever, driven by immigrants from a broader range of countries than in previous years.
For those considering a move to Canada, understanding these shifting immigration trends is essential. Whether you’re planning to settle in the country or simply observing how immigration is shaping its future, one thing remains clear: Canada’s reputation as a land of opportunity continues to attract individuals from across the globe.