Nominations are now open for the 18th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, presented by Western Union
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Immigration has never been a topic without debate, but there’s no denying that Canada has been a country built by immigrants, coming to this land for freedom and opportunity. From early newcomers to modern immigrants and refugees, there are countless stories of immigrants who have made Canada their home and made it better through community service, entrepreneurship, arts and philanthropy. Canadian Immigrant, with the support of presenting sponsor Western Union, is therefore pleased to continue recognizing these nationbuilders for the 18th year with the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards of 2026. Nominations for this year’s awards program are now open.
The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards is the first and only national awards program celebrating immigrant success stories from coast to coast, creating inspiring role models for other newcomers.
“As the topic of nationbuilding remains front and centre here in Canada, let’s remember that making Canada stronger starts with people coming together — whether you’re born on these lands or adopted it as your home. Our awards program is about shining a spotlight on immigrant role models who are leaders our communities and strengthening Canada,” said Sanjay Agnihotri, Publisher, Canadian Immigrant, a national multimedia platform and producer of the awards.
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized among the top immigrants in Canada? Canadian Immigrant and Western Union are now calling on Canadians to nominate an immigrant who has an impactful success story to share at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25.
People who have been honoured with this prestigious national award in past years include two Governor Generals, actors like Mena Massoud, of Aladdin movie fame, athletes like Toronto Argonauts’ Hénoc Muamba, restaurateurs like Vikram Vij, artists like ballerina Chan Hon Goh, and entrepreneurs like billionaire investor Reza Satchu, as well as many unsung heroes who have made giving back to Canada an important part of their immigration journeys.
Eligibility Criteria
A nominee can be anyone who has immigrated to Canada and has since contributed to the success and uplifting of this country and/or its people. Achievements can be either professional or personal. Nominees must be aged 15 or older, hold landed immigrant (permanent resident) or citizen status in Canada, and reside in Canada.
Nomination Process
Nominations can be made at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25 until March 6, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST. A distinguished panel of judges made up of past winners will review all nominees and present a list of 75 finalists who will be announced in April, after which all Canadians can vote for their favourite nominees. The 25 winners will be announced in August 2026 in Canadian Immigrant and online at CanadianImmigrant.ca.
Entrepreneur Award
This will be the 12th consecutive year that one of the Top 25 winners will also be selected for the additional Entrepreneur Award, honouring one of the Top 25 who has demonstrated entrepreneurial excellence in business. No additional application is required to apply for this award.
Youth Award
For the 10th consecutive year, one of the Top 25 will be awarded the additional Youth Award, which recognizes young immigrants between the ages of 15 and 30 who are making a difference through achievement and/or service, and who exhibit great potential as long-term contributors to Canada. No additional application is required to apply for this award.
Leadership Award
Launched in 2025, the Leadership Award celebrates a professional from among the Top 25 who exemplifies leadership and impact. No additional application is required to apply for this award.
About Canadian Immigrant
Canadian Immigrant is a national multimedia platform to help immigrants succeed in Canada, with content, resources and events on careers, education and settlement. The brand is the producer of the cross-country Canadian Immigrant Fairs, IEP career path Web Conference Series, and the First Generation podcast on the Torstar Podcast Network. Canadian Immigrant is a division of Metroland Media Group, a dynamic media company with leading community and daily news sites, as well as innovative websites including save.ca, wonderlist.ca, and travelalerts.ca. Learn more at canadianimmigrant.ca.
About Western Union
Western Union is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments. Western Union’s platform provides seamless cross-border flows and its leading global financial network bridges more than 200 countries and territories and over 130 currencies. We connect businesses, financial institutions, governments, and consumers through one of the world’s widest reaching networks, accessing billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and approximately 600,000 retail locations. Western Union connects the world to bring boundless possibilities within reach.
Contacts
For more information, contact:
Canadian Immigrant
Laura Jackman, [email protected]
