Immigration from Cameroon to Canada.
22,935 citizens of Cameroon became permanent residents in 2025, making it the number 3 source country. The highest year since 2015 was 2025 (22,935). From January to July 2026: 10,875.
Data through July 2026Retrieved October 8, 2026Updated monthly, mid-month
Permanent residents per year
Citizens of Cameroon.
| Period | Permanent residents |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 2,030 |
| 2016 | 2,100 |
| 2017 | 2,285 |
| 2018 | 2,275 |
| 2019 | 2,945 |
| 2020 | 1,590 |
| 2021 | 2,560 |
| 2022 | 6,260 |
| 2023 | 11,690 |
| 2024 | 21,200 |
| 2025 | 22,935 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 10,875 |
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 | 1,045 | 695 | 210 | 5 |
| 2016 | 1,270 | 505 | 210 | 5 |
| 2017 | 1,215 | 685 | 310 | 0 |
| 2018 | 1,285 | 605 | 245 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2,170 | 425 | 225 | 5 |
| 2020 | 1,055 | 365 | 75 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1,140 | 1,030 | 265 | 50 |
| 2022 | 4,820 | 1,000 | 320 | 40 |
| 2023 | 10,120 | 965 | 505 | 10 |
| 2024 | 19,770 | 960 | 370 | 5 |
| 2025 | 21,295 | 1,240 | 310 | 0 |
Source: IRCC, Permanent Residents – Monthly IRCC Updates (open data).
Top programs, 2023 to 2025 combined
| Program | Value |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker | 48,380 |
| Spouses and partners | 1,785 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,485 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 905 |
| Protected persons in Canada | 905 |
| Parents and grandparents | 800 |
| Children | 335 |
| Government-assisted refugees | 90 |
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 | 1,100 | 375 | 0 | 10 |
| 2016 | 1,170 | 510 | 15 | 15 |
| 2017 | 1,065 | 615 | 5 | 110 |
| 2018 | 1,320 | 655 | 20 | 275 |
| 2019 | 1,635 | 835 | 65 | 495 |
| 2020 | 1,150 | 915 | 70 | 585 |
| 2021 | 1,865 | 1,490 | 335 | 480 |
| 2022 | 3,085 | 1,450 | 575 | 755 |
| 2023 | 6,145 | 3,430 | 1,780 | 2,830 |
| 2024 | 5,015 | 4,420 | 2,175 | 7,120 |
| 2025 | 4,805 | 3,575 | 1,395 | 14,750 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 2,225 | 4,145 | 770 | 13,160 |
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 Cameroon (only years when Cameroon was in IRCC’s top 25 list for a province).
| Category | Asylum claims |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 170 |
| 2016 | 140 |
| 2017 | 210 |
| 2018 | 350 |
| 2019 | 490 |
| 2020 | 160 |
| 2021 | 100 |
| 2022 | 400 |
| 2023 | 1,795 |
| 2024 | 1,955 |
| 2025 | 1,265 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 380 |
Source: IRCC, Asylum Claimants – Monthly IRCC Updates. 2026 covers January to July only.
Who stays, who settled.
- Where people born in Cameroon live: Census Atlas.
- Compare Cameroon with another country: compare tool.