Over the past 25 years, fewer permanent residents in Canada are becoming Canadian citizens. In 1996, about 74% of newcomers chose to become citizens. But by 2021, that number dropped to just 46%. That’s a huge decline—and it’s raising questions.
Let’s break down why this is happening in a way that’s simple and easy to understand.
The Drop in Citizenship: What the Numbers Say
- In the 1990s, nearly 3 out of 4 immigrants became citizens.
- Today, less than half of eligible newcomers are applying for citizenship.
- The biggest drop happened between 2016 and 2021.
- The decline is most noticeable among immigrants from Asia, especially China.
How COVID-19 Affected Citizenship
- The pandemic made it harder for people to stay in Canada long enough to qualify.
- To apply for citizenship, you must live in Canada for at least 3 years out of the last 5.
- Some people left Canada during the pandemic or couldn’t come back on time.
- Stats show that up to 40% of the drop may be because of COVID alone.
Is Canada Still a Top Choice?
Some newcomers are unsure if becoming Canadian is the best move anymore. Why?
- Canada’s economy has slowed down compared to other countries.
- Wages are not as attractive, especially in tech and skilled jobs.
- People with high skills may prefer to use Canada as a stepping stone to go to the U.S.
Housing Crisis Hurts Hope
- Buying a home is becoming unaffordable in many Canadian cities.
- If life in Canada doesn’t feel secure, people might not feel motivated to commit long-term.
- Daniel Bernhard from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship says: “If Canadians aren’t optimistic about our future, we shouldn’t expect newcomers to feel differently.”
Is Citizenship Losing Its Value?
Some experts say Canadian citizenship doesn’t feel as special anymore:
- Citizenship ceremonies are now mostly online, which removes the emotional experience.
- Voting rights are now available to citizens even if they live outside Canada for decades.
- Even government jobs no longer require citizenship—you can apply as a permanent resident.
These changes may make citizenship feel less meaningful.
Country-Specific Challenges (Especially China and India)
- China discourages dual citizenship and pressures people to choose between wealth in China or citizenship in Canada.
- India also doesn’t allow dual citizenship:
- If you become Canadian, you can’t inherit or buy property in India.
- This is a big deal for families with land or investments back home.
Tax Scrutiny Pushes the Wealthy Away
- Canada now looks more closely at offshore wealth.
- Some high-net-worth individuals feel uncomfortable with reporting their finances.
- This could make Canada less attractive to the rich and powerful newcomers.
Less Encouragement to Join Canadian Culture
- In the past, Canada put more effort into educating newcomers about:
- Canadian history
- Laws and rights
- Values and responsibilities
- There used to be emotional, in-person citizenship ceremonies.
- Now, with most of it moved online, it may feel less inspiring.
Q: How long do I need to stay in Canada to apply for citizenship?
A: You must live in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) out of the last 5 years before you apply.
Q: Can I keep my home country’s citizenship after becoming Canadian?
A: It depends. Some countries like India and China don’t allow dual citizenship. That means you have to give up your original citizenship if you want to be Canadian.
Q: Do I need to be a citizen to get a government job?
A: No. In many cases, permanent residents can now apply for public sector jobs.
Q: Can I vote in Canada if I live abroad?
A: Yes. Even if you live outside Canada for years, you can still vote in federal elections as a Canadian citizen.
Q: Why are people choosing not to become citizens?
A: Some of the main reasons are:
- COVID-19 disruptions
- Housing crisis
- Economic slowdown
- Citizenship ceremonies losing emotional value
- Difficulties with dual citizenship
🔍 Final Thoughts
Becoming a Canadian citizen is still a major milestone—but for many newcomers today, it’s not an easy decision. The journey involves emotions, legal rules, financial planning, and cultural adaptation.
At Ask Kubeir, we believe in helping you make informed, confident decisions about your future in Canada.
If you have questions about permanent residency or citizenship, we’re here to help.
Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today!
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.