Immigration from Afghanistan to Canada.
8,215 citizens of Afghanistan became permanent residents in 2025, making it the number 10 source country. The highest year since 2015 was 2022 (23,745). From January to July 2026: 3,335.
Data through July 2026Retrieved October 8, 2026Updated monthly, mid-month
Permanent residents per year
Citizens of Afghanistan.
| Period | Permanent residents |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 2,625 |
| 2016 | 2,655 |
| 2017 | 3,460 |
| 2018 | 3,560 |
| 2019 | 3,890 |
| 2020 | 1,655 |
| 2021 | 8,565 |
| 2022 | 23,745 |
| 2023 | 20,180 |
| 2024 | 12,285 |
| 2025 | 8,215 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 3,335 |
Source: IRCC, Permanent Residents – Monthly IRCC Updates (open data). 2026 covers January to July only.
By immigration category
Per year.
| Category | Economic | Family | Refugees and protected persons | Humanitarian and other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 25 | 790 | 1,760 | 20 |
| 2016 | 20 | 660 | 1,905 | 5 |
| 2017 | 10 | 700 | 2,690 | 15 |
| 2018 | 20 | 615 | 2,835 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 | 610 | 3,175 | 45 |
| 2020 | 5 | 455 | 1,125 | 35 |
| 2021 | 20 | 920 | 7,525 | 30 |
| 2022 | 30 | 950 | 21,625 | 1,080 |
| 2023 | 25 | 640 | 17,295 | 2,180 |
| 2024 | 95 | 855 | 9,965 | 1,310 |
| 2025 | 55 | 515 | 7,095 | 480 |
Source: IRCC, Permanent Residents – Monthly IRCC Updates (open data).
Top programs, 2023 to 2025 combined
| Program | Value |
|---|---|
| Privately sponsored refugees | 10,445 |
| Government-assisted refugees | 7,260 |
| Protected persons in Canada | 2,345 |
| All Other Immigration | 1,815 |
| Spouses and partners | 1,550 |
| Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot | 125 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 55 |
| Parents and grandparents | 40 |
Source: IRCC, Permanent Residents – Monthly IRCC Updates (open data).
Study and work permits
New permit holders per year.
| Period | Study permits | IMP work permits | TFWP work permits | Express Entry invitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 105 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 70 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2019 | 85 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 75 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 2021 | 70 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 175 | 45 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 150 | 50 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 140 | 85 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 130 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 120 | 60 | 0 | 0 |
Source: IRCC, Temporary Residents: Study Permit Holders – Monthly IRCC Updates; IRCC, Temporary Residents: TFWP and IMP Work Permit Holders – Monthly IRCC Updates; IRCC, Express Entry – Invited Candidates – Monthly IRCC Updates. 2026 covers January to July only.
Who stays, who settled.
- Where people of Afghanistan origin live in Canada today: Census Atlas community page.
- Compare Afghanistan with another country: compare tool.