India continues to play a central role in Canada’s demographic and economic future, but the pace of new arrivals is likely to stabilise rather than surge in the coming years
For much of the past decade, Indian citizens have been the largest group of new permanent residents in Canada. Their numbers reflect a clear cycle of growth, disruption, recovery, and recent moderation, shaped by global events and changes in Canadian immigration policy.
Between 2015 and 2019, the number of Indians gaining permanent residency rose steadily. Canada’s points-based Express Entry system, strong demand for skilled workers, and growing education pathways attracted thousands of Indian professionals and students. This upward trend was briefly interrupted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic closed borders and slowed visa processing worldwide.
The pandemic dip was followed by a strong rebound. By 2023, Canada admitted over 471,000 new permanent residents, with Indians accounting for nearly 140,000—by far the largest share from any country
The surge reflected Canada’s push to boost its population and workforce after pandemic disruptions. However, the trend began to level off in 2024, when Indian admissions fell slightly to around 127,000, even though India remained the top source country.
More recently, Canada has been adjusting its immigration targets. Concerns about housing shortages, healthcare pressure, and public services have led policymakers to plan a gradual reduction in permanent resident intake after 2024. These changes suggest that while Indian migration will remain strong, the era of rapid expansion may be giving way to a more controlled and selective approach.
Overall, the rise and moderation of Indian permanent residents in Canada highlight how migration flows respond to global crises, domestic policy shifts, and economic needs.
