According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), only 152,185 people became Canadian citizens in the first half of 2025 — a marked decline compared to previous years. In contrast, over 375,000 citizenships were granted annually in 2022, 2023, and 2024. If this trend continues, 2025 is poised to end with significantly fewer new citizens, signaling a shift in Canada’s broader immigration strategy.
As Maple News reports, the decline comes alongside a deliberate federal recalibration of immigration priorities. Rather than emphasizing high volumes of newcomers, Canada is now prioritizing permanent pathways and long-term integration over temporary migration. While the country’s 2025 permanent resident target remains steady at 485,000, reduced caps on temporary programs—such as study and work permits—are contributing to slower downstream citizenship numbers.
“Canadian citizenship is the crown jewel of immigration,” former Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated in 2024, a sentiment echoed in current policy decisions. The federal government maintains that citizenship is more than a legal status—it’s a commitment to full participation in Canadian life. That ideal is underpinning a range of updates designed to streamline access to citizenship while upholding its value.
To support this goal, IRCC has rolled out several initiatives: easier pathways to permanent residency for in-demand sectors (like healthcare and trades), digital application tools, clearer eligibility criteria, and a pilot for virtual oath ceremonies. These efforts aim to modernize the process without compromising integrity, ensuring that eligible individuals can transition more efficiently from permanent residents to full citizens.
The slowdown in new citizens isn’t solely caused by procedural delays. Instead, it mirrors Canada’s attempt to reduce short-term migration pressure. After temporary resident numbers surged past 2.5 million in 2023, the government introduced new caps, especially for international students, to balance immigration with housing, healthcare, and infrastructure capacity.
This policy pivot, while reducing short-term citizenship growth, is intended to support more stable, long-term community integration. A lower intake of temporary residents today means fewer permanent residents—and eventually, fewer citizens—in upcoming years.
To qualify for citizenship, applicants must be permanent residents who have lived in Canada for three of the past five years, filed taxes, demonstrated language proficiency in English or French (for those aged 18–54), passed a citizenship test, and committed to residing in Canada. There are also standard background and criminality checks. The application fee is $630 for adults and $100 for minors.
While the 2025 numbers suggest a slower momentum, Maple News notes that the change is not necessarily a step back. Rather, it reflects Canada’s evolving approach to immigration—one focused on permanence, inclusion, and meaningful integration. As policies continue to evolve, the outcome may be a more sustainable, citizen-oriented immigration system in the years to come.