How immigrants influenced Canada's population growth
The number of temporary residents has decreased, but nearly 500,000 people were granted permanent residency.
As of January 1, 2025, Canada's population reached 41,528,680, increasing by 63,382 from the previous quarter. However, the quarterly growth rate was only 0.2% — one of the lowest in recent years.
According to official statistics, the key reason was the outflow of temporary residents, especially students and foreign workers.
Slowest Growth Since 2020
The fourth quarter of 2024 saw the slowest population growth since late 2020, when demographic trends were affected by COVID-19 border restrictions. This slowdown is also typical from a seasonal perspective: winter months traditionally see lower birth rates, higher death rates, and the expiration of many visas and permits.
Temporary Residents: First Decline in Three Years
The key factor in the slowdown was a decrease in temporary residents — by 28,341 people over the quarter. This is the first decline since late 2021 and the most significant since the pandemic.
The number of students with study permits decreased particularly sharply — by 32,643. The number of work permit holders also declined — by 18,435. The only category that grew was asylum seekers and protected persons — their number increased by 25,774, setting a new record of 457,285.
As of January 1, 2025, temporary residents made up 7.3% of the population — slightly less than in October 2024 (7.4%).
High Annual Growth Thanks to the First Half of 2024
Despite the slowdown, Canada's population grew by 744,324 (1.8%) in 2024. This is less than in 2023 (3.1%), but still higher than any year from 1972 to 2021.
More than two-thirds of the growth (67.7%) occurred in the first two quarters of 2024. This is unusual — in typical years, population growth is more evenly distributed.
Almost All Growth Due to Immigration
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Due to low natural increase (the difference between births and deaths), international migration accounts for almost all population growth:
- In the fourth quarter of 2024, migration accounted for 98.5% of growth;
- For the entire year — 97.3%.
Permanent Immigration Reached a Record High
Canada welcomed 483,591 permanent immigrants in 2024. This meets the targets set in the government's 2024-2026 Immigration Plan and is an all-time record since observations began in 1972.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the number of new permanent residents was 103,481, which is comparable to previous years.
Several provinces and territories recorded their highest numbers ever:
- Alberta — 66,359 immigrants;
- Nova Scotia — 14,234;
- New Brunswick — 15,497;
- Prince Edward Island — 3,981;
- Newfoundland and Labrador — 5,808;
- Yukon — 939;
- Northwest Territories — 420.
What This Means for Future Immigrants
The decline in temporary residents is not only due to seasonal changes but also to the government's new policy aimed at curbing temporary immigration growth. In 2024, measures were announced to limit work and study visas, and their effects began to show in the second half of the year.
This may affect future applicants. Getting student and work visas might become more competitive, but permanent immigration streams — such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and federal pilots — remain stable and in demand.
The report emphasizes that permanent immigrants will play a key role in Canada's demographic development in the coming years.
Candidates should closely monitor Immigration Ministry policies and adjust their plans in light of new trends. Despite adjustments, Canada continues to rely on immigration as the main driver of population and economic growth.
