Ghanaian naturalisations in Canada drop 25% in H1 2025 after reaching a peak in H1 2024

Key Takeaways

  • Naturalisations rose consistently from 577 in H1 2022 to 717 in H1 2024, marking a 24% rise over two years.
  • The 11.5% increase recorded that period was the strongest half-year growth across the timeline.
  • Numbers fell 25.5% in H1 2025, the steepest half-on-half drop since tracking began.
  • Despite the recent fall, total naturalisations remain above early 2022 levels, signalling sustained long-term growth.

Between H1 2022 and H1 2025, the number of Ghanaian-born individuals becoming Canadian citizens showed a gradual rise followed by a notable decline. From 577 in H1 2022 to a peak of 717 in H1 2024, naturalisations grew steadily, supported by Canada’s expanding permanent residency conversions and family reunification pathways. However, H1 2025 saw a 25.5% decline, likely reflecting slower processing rates and shifting immigration priorities as Canada adjusted its intake targets. Despite this downturn, Ghana’s overall trend remains positive over the three-year span, highlighting continued migration ties and interest in Canadian citizenship among Ghanaians.

Source:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Period:

H1 2022 - H1 2025
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  • The number of new Canadian citizens born in Egypt fell 9.8% in H1 2025, reaching 1,158, down from 1,284 in late 2024.
  • The steepest half-on-half fall came in H2 2024 (-37.3%), signalling the start of a more sustained slowdown.
  • Compared with the 2022 peak of 2,566, current levels are down 55%, marking a continuous decline since mid-2022.
  • Despite the multi-year decline, the smaller 9.8% decrease in H1 2025 suggests the rate of decline may be easing.

From 1,514 to 832, South African origin citizenship approvals fall 45% since 2024 peak
  • H1 2025 recorded 832 new Canadian citizens of South African origin, down 23.7% from H2 2024 (1,091).
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  • H1 2025 is 24% below H1 2022’s 1,089, the second lowest number in the period.
  • The data shows average half-on-half change of ±19%, reflecting strong fluctuations in migration and processing patterns.

New Canadian citizens of Algerian origin drop by 82% from H2 2023 to H1 2025
  • Algeria’s naturalisation figures in Canada showed major volatility, swinging between sharp increases and declines across half-year periods.
  • The number of new citizens peaked at 3,429 in H2 2023, representing a 69.1% surge from the preceding half year.
  • Following the 2023 peak, figures fell by 18.8% in H1 2024 and another 8.3% in H1 2025, showing a sustained downward correction.
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An average of 6,960 Nigerians became Canadian citizens each Half-Year between 2022 and 2025
  • Nigerian naturalisations in Canada rose from 5,286 in H1 2022 to 6,831 in H1 2025, a 29% increase overall.
  • H1 2023 marked the highest level with 7,400 new citizens.
  • Numbers declined through 2024, bottoming at 6,057 in H2.
  • The rebound in H1 2025 signals sustained interest in Canadian citizenship among Nigerians.

Over 26,000 Africans became Canadian citizens in H1 2025; one in four of these are Nigerians
  • Nigeria accounts for 25.9% of all new Canadian citizens of African origin, more than triple any other African country.
  • Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia rank next, each contributing over 5% of total new citizens of African origin.
  • Countries like Eritrea, Ethiopia, and DR Congo show steady growth, reflecting widening migration links with Canada.
  • South Africa closes the top ten with 832 citizens (3.2%), indicating smaller but consistent migration flows.

4.5% of new Canadian citizens in H1 2025 were Nigerians; almost one in four were Indians
  • India accounts for 23.4% of all new citizens, the largest share by far.
  • Four of the top five source countries (India, Philippines, Iran, China) are in Asia, showing the region’s migration strength.
  • Nigeria ranks third, contributing 4.5% of total new citizens, the highest share from Africa.
  • Traditional migration partners like the U.K. and U.S.A. contribute smaller shares, under 3% each, highlighting a shifting global migration pattern.

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