Indians who have attained Canadian citizenship have increased by 50% compared to the previous year. Canada continues to see an increase in application for citizenship and permanent residency as the rules imposed for H-1B visas are tightened by the Trump administration.
Nearly 15,000 Indians obtained Canadian citizenship this year at a growth rate of 50% (till October) when compared to last year. This comes at a time when the United States continue to tighten the rules for a H-1B visa.
Media reports quote Canadian authorities stating that India has the second-highest number of citizenship applications.
Until October of last year 9,992 Indians were granted citizenship. As reported by ToI, 1.39 lakh permanent residents became Canadian citizens this year and nearly 11% of those are Indians. Official figures are expected to reflect a higher number though.
The relaxation of time period of stay in Canada to attain citizenship was also reduced to 3 years out of 5 years when compared to previous rule of 4 years out of 6 years. This has also led to an increase in number. Citizenship opens up opportunities in the government sector and gives a person voting rights and access to other benefits when compared to permanent residency.
The highest number of permanent residency visas granted in 2017 were to Indians. A report submitted to the Canadian Parliament stated that 51,000 Indians were granted permanent residency last year, leaving Philippines and China who came second and third respectively.
More than a million immigrants are expected in Canada as per the Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2019 to 2021.
All charts indicate a spike in Canadian citizenship as the tech sector continues to grow. Stricter rules by the Trump administration will continue to encourage more people to migrate to Canada.
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