Recent reports by Statistics Canada revealed that fewer recent PR holders seek Canadian citizenship. The reduced number of recent immigrants looking forward to becoming Canadian citizens is in comparison to the situation 2o years ago. The study conducted by Statistics Canada considered the information between 1996 and 2021. This implies a drop of approximately 30 percent in the percentage of citizenship among recent newcomers. However, the majority of the decrease occurred in the previous ten years.
Fewer recent PR holders seek Canadian citizenship – Chief conclusions of the recent Statistics Canada study
According to the study, the citizenship rate among the recently immigrated newcomers who have been staying here for 5, 10, or 15 years witnessed a decline in 1996. Nearly 75.4 newcomers held Canadian citizenship. Conversely, in 2021, this percentage had reduced to 45.7 percent of newcomers. Also, the most drastic reduction occurred between 2016 and 2021.
The latest study even concluded that there was an existing variation in the citizenship rates between various groups of recent newcomers. For instance, recent newcomers with elevated incomes between $50,000 and $100,000 CAD had at least a 14 percent chance of seeking Canadian citizenship. However, this is not true for those who earn less income, below $10,000 CAD. This pattern also displayed that the greater the number of recent newcomers, the higher the chances of them seeking citizenship. Looking at the details, 30.4 percent of those with high school degrees attained Canadian citizenship. Contrarily, 51.8 percent of those with university degrees acquired Canadian citizenship.
In addition, there were evident differences among people with increased language skills. For instance, those without French or English language as their mother tongue only had a boost of 19.7 percent citizenship. This is compared to those with English or French as their mother tongue, with an increased rate of 49.8 percent.
Finally, there have been evident differences based on the immigrant’s native country. Here’s the drastic decline in the percentage of citizenship among newcomers:
- Immigrants from the East: -58 percent
- Southeast Asia: -40.7 percent
- West Asia: – 29.3 percent
- Eastern Europe: -28.9 percent
- Central America: – 28.2 percent
The reason behind the decline
A number of variables that could be related to differences, including language proficiency, education, or Canadian work experience per earnings, also align with factors that hold significant CRS scores. This might indicate that among those who recently immigrated to Canada, a rise in citizenship rates could be due to their increased potential to adjust to Canada’s society.
The study also revealed specific reasons that could justify this downfall. In addition, the pandemic phase indicates a massive drop in citizenship applications, up to 40 percent, between 2016 and 2021. This figure represents the highest drop in the rate of citizenship applications in the last five years.
In addition, the study found multiple policy changes between 2006 and 2016 that might have affected the increased citizenship rates. The following reasons might have influenced the citizenship rates:
- The applicant’s G.K about Canada through the citizenship exams.
- Demanding proof of knowledge concerning French or French skills for permanent residence.
- Raising the citizenship application fees.
Lastly, the study observes that the sharp decline in citizenship percentages from Southeast and East Asia reflects the global events specifically in these areas.
Will it have negative implications for Canada?
The recent data shows a downward trend for recent PR holders seeking Canadian citizenship. However, Canada still has the highest total citizenship rate of any Western nation. In 2021, this citizenship rate was confirmed at 81.7 percent, which shows that a majority of newcomers in Canada affirmed their desire to seek citizenship.
Additionally, several new immigrants continue to prove economically beneficial to Canada as permanent residents. Meanwhile, some immigrants might not choose Canadian citizenship to secure connections with their nation. A number of countries don’t permit dual citizenship, and immigrants have to choose between an old or new passport.
PR holders have many rights similar to Canadian citizens but don’t have the right to vote or hold political positions in Canada.
If you wish to know about Canadian immigration, connect with our immigration experts at MakeHomeCanada. Our considerable experience in the immigration field can help you. You may write to us [email protected]
