Immigration from Democratic Republic of the Congo to Canada.
4,280 citizens of Democratic Republic of the Congo became permanent residents in 2025, making it the number 24 source country. The highest year since 2015 was 2023 (5,315). From January to July 2026: 1,715.
Data through July 2026Retrieved October 8, 2026Updated monthly, mid-month
Permanent residents per year
Citizens of Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| Period | Permanent residents |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1,675 |
| 2016 | 2,490 |
| 2017 | 2,355 |
| 2018 | 2,385 |
| 2019 | 2,290 |
| 2020 | 860 |
| 2021 | 1,825 |
| 2022 | 3,255 |
| 2023 | 5,315 |
| 2024 | 4,375 |
| 2025 | 4,280 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 1,715 |
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 | 130 | 220 | 1,170 | 45 |
| 2016 | 190 | 210 | 1,925 | 90 |
| 2017 | 130 | 275 | 1,805 | 50 |
| 2018 | 210 | 245 | 1,720 | 105 |
| 2019 | 230 | 250 | 1,645 | 60 |
| 2020 | 155 | 110 | 425 | 65 |
| 2021 | 145 | 385 | 1,010 | 175 |
| 2022 | 535 | 375 | 2,030 | 245 |
| 2023 | 550 | 490 | 4,070 | 150 |
| 2024 | 620 | 390 | 3,175 | 65 |
| 2025 | 730 | 545 | 2,850 | 15 |
Source: IRCC, Permanent Residents – Monthly IRCC Updates (open data).
Top programs, 2023 to 2025 combined
| Program | Value |
|---|---|
| Government-assisted refugees | 5,060 |
| Federal Skilled Worker | 1,220 |
| Protected persons in Canada | 1,100 |
| Privately sponsored refugees | 950 |
| Spouses and partners | 865 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 230 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 210 |
| Children | 125 |
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 | 480 | 75 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 575 | 130 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 480 | 125 | 0 | 25 |
| 2018 | 845 | 210 | 0 | 55 |
| 2019 | 1,340 | 260 | 0 | 45 |
| 2020 | 850 | 320 | 0 | 20 |
| 2021 | 1,740 | 530 | 15 | 25 |
| 2022 | 2,670 | 500 | 30 | 30 |
| 2023 | 4,100 | 925 | 145 | 120 |
| 2024 | 2,420 | 920 | 175 | 295 |
| 2025 | 2,750 | 800 | 100 | 475 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 1,160 | 1,235 | 65 | 375 |
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.
Asylum claims
Claims by citizens of Democratic Republic of the Congo (only years when Democratic Republic of the Congo was in IRCC’s top 25 list for a province).
| Category | Asylum claims |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 260 |
| 2016 | 380 |
| 2017 | 580 |
| 2018 | 1,135 |
| 2019 | 1,440 |
| 2020 | 370 |
| 2021 | 460 |
| 2022 | 1,350 |
| 2023 | 3,610 |
| 2024 | 2,570 |
| 2025 | 1,650 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 545 |
Source: IRCC, Asylum Claimants – Monthly IRCC Updates. 2026 covers January to July only.
Who stays, who settled.
- Where people born in Democratic Republic of the Congo live: Census Atlas.
- Compare Democratic Republic of the Congo with another country: compare tool.