Immigration from South Korea to Canada.
2,425 citizens of South Korea became permanent residents in 2025, making it the number 31 source country. The highest year since 2015 was 2021 (8,240). From January to July 2026: 1,190.
Data through July 2026Retrieved October 8, 2026Updated monthly, mid-month
Permanent residents per year
Citizens of South Korea.
| Period | Permanent residents |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 4,105 |
| 2016 | 4,010 |
| 2017 | 3,970 |
| 2018 | 4,800 |
| 2019 | 6,110 |
| 2020 | 3,290 |
| 2021 | 8,240 |
| 2022 | 5,465 |
| 2023 | 5,205 |
| 2024 | 4,370 |
| 2025 | 2,425 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 1,190 |
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 | 3,050 | 930 | 0 | 15 |
| 2016 | 2,900 | 1,005 | 0 | 5 |
| 2017 | 2,765 | 1,105 | 0 | 30 |
| 2018 | 3,280 | 1,365 | 0 | 35 |
| 2019 | 4,620 | 1,305 | 5 | 60 |
| 2020 | 2,485 | 675 | 0 | 55 |
| 2021 | 6,930 | 1,150 | 0 | 60 |
| 2022 | 4,380 | 900 | 0 | 40 |
| 2023 | 4,045 | 975 | 0 | 80 |
| 2024 | 3,370 | 805 | 0 | 20 |
| 2025 | 1,685 | 605 | 0 | 10 |
Source: IRCC, Permanent Residents – Monthly IRCC Updates (open data).
Top programs, 2023 to 2025 combined
| Program | Value |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | 4,100 |
| Spouses and partners | 1,590 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 830 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | 210 |
| Federal Skilled Worker | 210 |
| Parents and grandparents | 190 |
| Caregivers | 130 |
| TR to PR pathway (2021 one-time) | 70 |
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 | 15,895 | 7,910 | 900 | 530 |
| 2016 | 17,305 | 9,065 | 1,440 | 655 |
| 2017 | 18,055 | 10,640 | 1,955 | 975 |
| 2018 | 18,050 | 8,670 | 2,015 | 1,010 |
| 2019 | 17,960 | 9,830 | 2,625 | 1,080 |
| 2020 | 11,880 | 6,040 | 2,210 | 1,320 |
| 2021 | 11,205 | 7,200 | 1,985 | 2,605 |
| 2022 | 12,100 | 7,475 | 2,225 | 430 |
| 2023 | 10,985 | 10,775 | 2,400 | 705 |
| 2024 | 8,760 | 13,510 | 1,700 | 545 |
| 2025 | 9,265 | 11,270 | 985 | 230 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 5,210 | 8,695 | 485 | 150 |
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.
- In a Statistics Canada study of immigrants admitted from 1982 to 2017, 22.1% of those born in South Korea had left Canada within 20 years of arriving (all immigrants: 17.5%). See retention by country.
- Where people of South Korea origin live in Canada today: Census Atlas community page.
- Compare South Korea with another country: compare tool.