Indian Immigrants to Canada
Largest Influx from India in 2025: Record Numbers Raise Real Questions
From 2016 to 2025, a total of 901,880 immigrants from India landed in Canada.
In 2025, a total of 98,770 Indian citizens were admitted to Canada as landed immigrants; accounting for 25% of total admissions.
Immigration from India decreased from 127,325 individuals in 2024 to 98,770 in 2025 which indicates a 22.4% decrease.
Indian Immigration to Canada in recent years
Indian immigration to Canada has surged dramatically over the past decade. In 2013, around 32,800 Indians became permanent residents, but by 2023, that number peaked at a record 139,715 — a whopping 326% jump, making India the top source country and often accounting for nearly 30% of all new PRs. Numbers dipped slightly after that (to about 127,000 in 2024), with further moderation in 2025 amid policy changes, but the overall boom came from Express Entry, student-to-PR pathways, and economic programs.This rapid rise has fueled significant backlash among Canadians.
A big part of the controversy swirls around Indian international students allegedly abusing the refugee system to stay longer. Asylum claims by international students exploded, reaching record highs like 20,245 in 2024, with many from India. In 2025, India led refugee claims early on (around 9,770 in the first half), and experts have called out spikes as a workaround after study permit crackdowns, with some filing claims right before or after arrival to dodge deportation or extend stays. This has fueled backlash, with critics labeling it system abuse, tying into broader gripes about housing pressure and job competition.
Indian immigrants in Canada – 2016 Census
According to the 2016 Census, 668,565 immigrants from India resided in Canada – the largest foreign group in this country.
Indian immigrants in Canada – 2001 and 2011
In 2011, the immigrant population comprised 20.6% of Canada”s population, so one in five people were immigrants.
In Canada, the number of immigrants from India grew 74% from 314,690 in 2001 to 547,890 in 2011, making India the top immigration source country.
Ontario was the top destination for immigrants from India concentrating 55% of them in 2001 and 57% in 2011.
In 2011, 26% of the Indian-born immigrants resided in British Columbia which has been their second top destination.
In Alberta, the number of Indian-born immigrants grew 139% from 24,670 in 2001 to 59,020 in 2011.
PERMANENT RESIDENTS FROM INDIA (2015-2019)
INDIAN IMMIGRANTS IN CANADA (2016)
