Immigration from Pakistan to Canada.
8,875 citizens of Pakistan became permanent residents in 2025, making it the number 8 source country. The highest year since 2015 was 2024 (11,970). From January to July 2026: 5,495.
Data through July 2026Retrieved October 8, 2026Updated monthly, mid-month
Permanent residents per year
Citizens of Pakistan.
| Period | Permanent residents |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 11,300 |
| 2016 | 11,350 |
| 2017 | 7,655 |
| 2018 | 9,485 |
| 2019 | 10,800 |
| 2020 | 6,225 |
| 2021 | 8,475 |
| 2022 | 11,600 |
| 2023 | 11,855 |
| 2024 | 11,970 |
| 2025 | 8,875 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 5,495 |
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 | 6,285 | 3,615 | 1,165 | 160 |
| 2016 | 5,540 | 4,075 | 1,595 | 65 |
| 2017 | 3,370 | 2,745 | 1,285 | 130 |
| 2018 | 4,865 | 2,830 | 1,445 | 255 |
| 2019 | 5,930 | 2,650 | 1,695 | 445 |
| 2020 | 2,875 | 2,015 | 1,100 | 150 |
| 2021 | 2,240 | 3,055 | 2,960 | 135 |
| 2022 | 5,500 | 3,235 | 2,640 | 130 |
| 2023 | 4,920 | 4,425 | 2,215 | 200 |
| 2024 | 5,275 | 4,355 | 2,120 | 110 |
| 2025 | 3,550 | 3,830 | 1,375 | 25 |
Source: IRCC, Permanent Residents – Monthly IRCC Updates (open data).
Top programs, 2023 to 2025 combined
| Program | Value |
|---|---|
| Spouses and partners | 7,510 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 5,295 |
| Protected persons in Canada | 3,830 |
| Federal Skilled Worker | 2,855 |
| Parents and grandparents | 2,130 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 1,570 |
| Privately sponsored refugees | 1,090 |
| Start-up Business | 355 |
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 | 2,425 | 1,265 | 70 | 380 |
| 2016 | 2,735 | 1,710 | 145 | 675 |
| 2017 | 2,145 | 1,555 | 95 | 2,575 |
| 2018 | 2,150 | 1,505 | 125 | 2,460 |
| 2019 | 2,235 | 1,555 | 135 | 2,120 |
| 2020 | 1,700 | 1,320 | 130 | 2,005 |
| 2021 | 3,445 | 1,760 | 145 | 1,490 |
| 2022 | 4,050 | 1,940 | 350 | 740 |
| 2023 | 4,855 | 3,790 | 810 | 2,005 |
| 2024 | 4,010 | 3,560 | 830 | 1,665 |
| 2025 | 3,435 | 2,890 | 435 | 920 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 1,740 | 3,390 | 225 | 745 |
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 Pakistan (only years when Pakistan was in IRCC’s top 25 list for a province).
| Category | Asylum claims |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 835 |
| 2016 | 1,100 |
| 2017 | 1,715 |
| 2018 | 2,015 |
| 2019 | 2,635 |
| 2020 | 805 |
| 2021 | 755 |
| 2022 | 2,585 |
| 2023 | 5,190 |
| 2024 | 5,500 |
| 2025 | 3,565 |
| 2026 (Jan–Jul) | 1,385 |
Source: IRCC, Asylum Claimants – Monthly IRCC Updates. 2026 covers January to July only.
Who stays, who settled.
- Where people of Pakistan origin live in Canada today: Census Atlas community page.
- Compare Pakistan with another country: compare tool.