By Mata Press Service

Canada’s reputation as a beacon for immigrants seeking a better life is under scrutiny as a new report reveals that one in five immigrants who arrive in the country eventually leave within 25 years.

Alarmingly, about a third of those departures occur within the first five years of settling in Canada.

The findings, compiled by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and the Conference Board of Canada, shed light on the phenomenon of "onward migration," where immigrants move from Canada to other countries.

The report, titled The Leaky Bucket 2024: A Closer Look at Immigrant Onward Migration in Canada, is based on data from 2020 and explores why Canada struggles to retain many of its newcomers.

Economic immigrants, often seen as a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, are the most likely to leave.

In contrast, refugees—many facing fewer options due to safety concerns—are the least likely to move on. Some immigrants who leave Canada return to their country of origin, while others migrate to a third country, seeking better opportunities or conditions.

“The number of immigrants leaving Canada reached an all-time high in 2020. Despite extreme pandemic travel restrictions, immigrants found ways to leave the country in record numbers. Despite multiple opportunities to return, they chose not to,” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.

Canada’s largest cities, including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, have the highest proportion of immigrants leaving. In comparison, smaller cities such as Calgary, Halifax, and Moncton demonstrate better retention rates.

These trends highlight the pressures faced in major urban centers, such as high living costs, limited housing, and competitive job markets, which may contribute to onward migration.

Francophone immigrants are particularly affected, with the report finding a 35% long-term onward migration rate, significantly higher than that of their English-speaking peers.

The report underscored the importance of the first five years after an immigrant’s arrival in Canada.

Many who leave during this period cite challenges such as underemployment, lack of affordable housing, or difficulty integrating into Canadian society. These findings have prompted calls for the federal government to develop robust retention strategies aimed at addressing these challenges early on.

The stakes are high, given the increasing global competition for skilled talent and growing interest in Canada as a destination.

The report authors urged policymakers to prioritize retention initiatives, particularly in addressing economic challenges, to ensure that Canada remains a preferred and permanent home for immigrants.

The research shows that immigrants with United States citizenship are least likely to naturalize before leaving, even though they are not prohibited from doing so by the U.S. government.

 Between 40 and 60 percent of onward migrants from Ukraine, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Russia, Pakistan, Morocco, Syria, Nigeria, Columbia, and Iraq obtain Canadian citizenship before leaving Canada.

Immigrants who arrive as international students, particularly those who only ever hold a study permit before becoming a permanent resident, are the most likely to leave Canada, the report found.

“There is a noticeable spike of onward migrants at the five-year mark. This indicates that international students who gain permanent residency without holding another permit are most at risk of leaving without realizing the full benefits of their education in Canada,” the report stated.

The report’s findings come amid broader discussions about Canada’s immigration system. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently acknowledged delays in implementing immigration reforms and blamed "bad actors" for hindering progress.

Additionally, rising concerns about housing affordability and integration capacity have led to debates about the federal government’s ability to effectively manage immigration targets.

Trudeau has announced an immediate reduction of the government's annual intake of permanent residents, international students, and foreign workers,

He said his government "didn't get the balance quite right" in trying to address labour needs and maintain population growth.

The new policy shift will see Canada reduce its annual intake of permanent residents immediately by 21 percent to 395,000 next year, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.

Canada’s temporary population including international students, foreign workers and refugees will also be reduced by 445,901 in 2025, and 445,662 in 2026.

Canada had planned to bring in 500,000 next year and the same amount in 2027.

The country’s population has grown in recent years, reaching 41 million in April 2024. Immigration accounted for almost 98% of this growth in 2023, 60% of which can be attributed to temporary residents.

An earlier poll by the Angus Reid Institute as reported in the South Asian Post showed that 39% of immigrants who have lived in Canada for less than a decade are seriously considering leaving their province due to housing affordability issues, compared to 28% of Canadians overall.

The housing crisis is particularly acute in major urban centers, where many newcomers tend to settle.

In Downtown Toronto, 44% of residents are considering relocating, with 22% strongly considering it. Metro Vancouver shows similar trends, with one-third of residents unsure about their long-term future in the region.

This trend poses a significant risk to Canada's economic hubs, potentially leading to a workforce exodus from city cores, the pollster said.

The situation is exacerbated by rapidly rising housing costs across the country, with some provinces experiencing year-over-year average rent increases exceeding 17%. The impact extends beyond housing, affecting the overall quality of life for newcomers.

Recent immigrants reported feeling misled about life in Canada, with many struggling to find suitable employment despite their qualifications. Some even contemplate leaving the country altogether, with 42% of those considering relocation looking at destinations outside Canada, according to the Angus Reid report.