Maple News reports that Indian citizens continue to lead in immigration numbers to Canada, reflecting a strong and growing interest in making Canada a long-term home. With over 1.3 million people of Indian origin residing in Canada as of the 2016 census, this number has only surged in recent years, establishing India as the top source country for incoming immigrants.
By 2019, Indian nationals accounted for nearly 25% of Canada’s total 341,000 new immigrants — a notable increase from 14% in 2015. A significant portion of these individuals immigrated through Canada’s economic-class immigration system, particularly the Express Entry program.
Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers. It manages applications under three key programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Eligible candidates must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French and have their foreign educational credentials assessed.
Once in the Express Entry pool, applicants receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. Canada conducts regular draws from this pool, inviting top-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence.
Between 2017 and 2019, nearly one in two principal applicants invited through Express Entry were Indian citizens. In contrast, the next most common countries—Nigeria and China—each represented only about 7% of invitations. This trend highlights the strong competitiveness of Indian applicants in the Canadian immigration landscape.
For those seeking alternatives beyond Express Entry, more than 100 economic immigration streams are available. One major route is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to settle in specific regions of Canada. PNP nominations can also boost Express Entry profiles with additional CRS points, significantly increasing the likelihood of being invited to apply.
According to Maple News, Indian immigrants remain essential contributors to the Canadian economy and labor force. With continually evolving immigration targets and an emphasis on skilled migration, Canada presents a favorable environment for Indians aspiring to build a future abroad.
As global mobility increases and Canada’s standing as an immigrant-friendly destination strengthens, understanding the pathways — such as Express Entry and PNPs — becomes crucial for successful immigration planning.