Why Fewer Immigrants Are Becoming Canadian Citizens—And Why It Matters More Than Ever

Canada has long been known as one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants. With its strong economy, high quality of life, and inclusive society, it’s no surprise that people from all over the world choose to build their futures here. But behind the celebration of diversity lies a growing concern: fewer immigrants are becoming Canadian citizens.

According to a new joint study by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Statistics Canada, the number of permanent residents taking the final step to citizenship has dropped significantly over the past few decades.

In 1996, 75.4% of immigrants who had been in the country for 5 to 9 years had become citizens. By 2021, that number fell to just 45.7%.

So, what’s going on? And why are fewer newcomers making Canada their forever home?

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Citizenship Rates: A Steady Decline

The data shows a clear downward trend:

These numbers paint a picture of change. But to understand it fully, we have to look beyond the stats.

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What’s Causing the Drop?

There’s no single explanation, but several factors appear to be contributing:

1. Longer Processing Times

Post-pandemic backlogs have added significant delays to already lengthy application timelines. For many, the process now feels frustrating and uncertain.

2. High Application Costs

Becoming a citizen in Canada isn’t free. With fees running high, especially for families, some newcomers delay or avoid applying altogether.

3. Global Mobility

Today’s immigrants are more likely to have careers that span countries. Some view Canada as a temporary chapter, not the final destination.

4. Struggles with Integration

Language barriers, underemployment, and limited access to support services can make the path to full settlement more difficult, especially in smaller communities.

5. Changing Policy Landscape

Shifting rules around residency requirements and documentation may also be discouraging some from pursuing citizenship.

Is Canada Alone in This Trend?

Not quite. The United States has also seen a decline in citizenship uptake. However, comparing the two countries is complicated. U.S. statistics often include undocumented and temporary migrants, which aren’t part of Canada’s citizenship data.

Still, here’s an interesting look at some country-specific comparisons:

These numbers suggest that Canada still leads in helping immigrants complete the transition to citizenship—but the margin is shrinking.

Why Citizenship Still Matters

Becoming a citizen isn’t just about getting a passport.

It’s about:

• Gaining the right to vote

• Having a voice in political life

• Accessing more job opportunities

• Passing citizenship to children

• Feeling a true sense of belonging

When fewer people become citizens, it raises questions about integration, inclusion, and how welcoming our systems really are.

What Can Be Done?

Experts are calling for action. Some suggestions include:

• Reducing application fees or introducing waivers for low-income applicants

• Improving processing times

• Offering better support services for newcomers

• Making citizenship more accessible by simplifying language or intent-to-stay requirements

Canada’s immigration system is strong—but this trend highlights the need for ongoing reform to ensure all immigrants feel welcome, supported, and encouraged to stay for the long term.

Canada remains a top destination for newcomers, but citizenship is the final step in truly calling this country home. If fewer people are reaching that milestone, it’s time to reflect and respond.

Whether you’re a newcomer yourself, a permanent resident, or someone who works in immigration services, the declining citizenship rate is a trend that affects all of us.

At The Headings Blog, we’ll keep following this story. Until then, we invite your thoughts—have you or someone you know delayed applying for citizenship? What’s your experience been?

Let us know in the comments below or send us a message.