South African Immigrants to Canada
In 2025, 1,110 South African immigrants were admitted to Canada as permanent residents.
Source: IRCC
- In 2025, 393,530 immigrants were admitted to Canada, South African immigrants accounted for 0.28% of the annual immigration intake.
- From 2020 to 2025, 9,255 South African immigrants were admitted to Canada as permanent residents.
- The immigration data highlights growing trend pre-pandemic levels, a sharp decline in 2020, a 2021 peak, and continuous declines through 2025.
South African Immigration to Canada in Recent Years
Immigration from South Africa to Canada has remained steady and notable since 2020, bolstered by a growing South African Canadian community primarily concentrated in Ontario and British Columbia. According to the 2021 Census, the South Africa-born population in Canada numbered approximately 51,590. Between January 2023 and March 2025 alone, Canada admitted 4,025 permanent residents from South Africa, with economic pathways such as the Provincial Nominee Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Worker streams accounting for 3,340 of these approvals. Additional inflows have occurred through study permits, with 1,875 issued in the same period, often leading to post-graduation work experience and transitions to permanent residency. High levels of education, English proficiency, and professional qualifications facilitate smooth integration for these immigrants amid Canada’s focus on attracting skilled workers.
South Africans living in Canada (2016 Census)
- In 2016, 44,660 immigrants from South Africa resided in Canada.
- Most South African immigrants resided in Ontario and British Columbia.
