Canadian Citizenship rates falling among new immigrants

Citizenship rates falling among newly-arrived university educated immigrants to Canada

University-educated immigrants in Canada are the least likely to become Canadian citizens. This group of newcomers is growing, causing overall citizenship rates to fall, reports the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC).

🏞️Provinces with Lowest Rates 
Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have seen the largest declines in naturalization. Between 2001 and 2021, the proportion of immigrants becoming citizens within 10 years of arrival dropped by 40%.

💼Income and Employment 
Citizenship impacts earnings and employment. Non-citizen university graduates earn only 43% of what citizen graduates make. Non-citizen women also face higher unemployment rates compared to citizen women.

📈Recommendations for Improvement 
The ICC suggests Ottawa invest more in educating and encouraging immigrants to become citizens. This includes making citizenship a celebrated part of the immigration journey and highlighting the benefits of in-person ceremonies.

🇨🇦 Benefits of Canadian Citizenship 

• Right to vote and run for office

• Dual citizenship (if allowed by the home country)

• Access to high-security jobs

• Canadian passport, allowing easier travel

• Automatic citizenship for children born in Canada

To become a citizen, immigrants must meet residency, tax, language, and knowledge of Canada requirements.

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