Afghan Immigrants to Canada
In 2023, 20,180 Afghans were admitted to Canada as permanent residents
From 2010 to 2023, 80,444 Afghan citizens were admitted to Canada as permanent residents.
In recent years, Canada has significantly increased its efforts to resettle Afghan refugees, particularly following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. The Canadian government committed to welcoming at least 40,000 Afghan refugees, a target it surpassed by November 2024, with over 54,730 Afghans resettled through various programs. These include the Special Immigration Measures Program for Afghans who assisted Canada, the Humanitarian Program for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persecuted minorities, and pathways for extended family members of former interpreters. As of November 2024, 23,845 Afghans arrived through the humanitarian stream, while 11,995 came under the Special Immigration Measures Program. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including bureaucratic delays and concerns about the safety of Afghans still awaiting resettlement, with 19 failed refugee claimants controversially deported in 2023. Canada’s resettlement initiatives, supported by international partners like the International Organization for Migration, reflect its commitment to providing a safe haven for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
Afghans in Canada – 2016 Census
In 2016, 52K Afghan citizens resided in Canada.
In 2016, 51,955 Afghan immigrants resided in Canada.
Most Afghan immigrants resided in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta
Ontario was home to 63.8 per cent of Afghan immigrants in Canada.
