Census data on the Canadian population states that 90 percent are citizens. Statistics Canada shared the latest findings of the Census data 2021.
A brief about Canada
The primary citizenship report states that the total population accounts for at least 33.1 million people, of which 91.2 percent are citizens through naturalization or birth. Naturalized citizens are those individuals who initially don’t hold Canadian citizenship but gradually become eligible for the same. Hence, they further gain Canadian citizenship.
However, the rest of the 8 percent of individuals hold permanent residency or are temporary residents.
Additionally, the Canadian population holding citizenship by birth has declined. Conversely, citizens through naturalization have increased.
Census data on the Canadian population
In 2021, 80 percent of immigrants acquired Canadian citizenship. On the other hand, the naturalization percentage has reduced compared to 87.8 percent in 2011.
Transitioning from non-Canadian to becoming Canadian citizens
The declining percentage of naturalization is a concern for the Canadian government. Besides this, specific policy changes have extended the issue far too much, and Canada is on track to make things right.
The following instances prove Canada’s efforts to make things right:
- Requirements for physical presence concerning naturalization witnessed a few changes. The period changed from three to four years. Also, these changes took place between 2015 and 2017. Besides this, applicants could not claim temporary residency in Canada. However, modifications in the Citizenship Act 2017 led to the physical presence requirement resuming only three years. Applicants could also account for their time spent as temporary residents.
- The citizenship fee increased in 2015. Although in 2019, the Liberal government committed to waiving this fee, it is yet to implement the same. This would benefit households with lower incomes as they will more likely become eligible for naturalization.
Additionally, several factors contributed to a lower naturalization rate, including policy changes in dual citizenship for primary source countries providing immigrants. Apart from this, the other factors are non-Canadian residents with certain conditions for their Canadian stay and the pandemic.
Obtaining citizenship through a natural process
The recent past years depicted a significant decline in the naturalization process. However, with the passage of time, people became keen on obtaining citizenship.
For instance, of those individuals who arrived in Canada before 2001, around 94 percent acquired Canadian citizenship by 2021. Contrarily, individuals who emerged in the country between 2011-2015, slightly above 50 percent, obtained citizenship.
The findings of the Census data on the Canadian population suggest that gradually more people from each immigrant group will have the possibility to become Canadian citizens through a natural process.
Census data on the Canadian population- key findings
The median age for citizenship holders was 41.2, while it was 33.6 for non-citizens residing in Canada, such as permanent residents or temporary residence holders.
This key finding specifically aligns with the objectives of Canadian immigration due to lower birth rates and an increase in the aging population. Canada seeks to improve its labor market through immigration.
Hence, this further implies that hiring immigrants in their prime age will benefit in decreasing record-breaking job vacancies. These immigrants will gradually move toward permanent residency and then Canadian citizenship too. Therefore, Canada’s social and economic welfare will enhance.
Which country will generate the maximum number of Canadians?
The highest percentage of permanent and temporary residents in Canada account for Indians. Additionally, more than 25 percent of temporary residents were Indians. Also, every one in ten individuals with permanent residency or temporary residence in Canada holds Chinese citizenship. The Philippines remained closer to permanent residency. Interestingly, French nationality emerged as the most common one among non-permanent residents.
Therefore, it is visibly apparent that Asians will contribute the most to future Canadian citizenships, besides being the major source of immigrants’ country.
Non-permanent residents who initially were French will also likely fulfill the policy objectives of the federal and Quebec governments. Moreover, these governments will look forward to enhancing Francophone immigration across Canada.
Recapitulation
Immigration will be a major concern for the Canadian government. Additionally, the gradual decline in naturalization will continue to be the main focus for IRCC and the federal government. This is precisely due to the median age of non-Canadians, who are likely in their prime working age.
The excellent quality of life in Canada is a sure-shot reason why immigration rates and retention rates continue to be so high. This further implies that despite reduced naturalization rates, Canada will continue welcoming more permanent residents and immigrants annually. The immigration Levels Plan is proof of the higher targets.