The study revealed that the phenomenon of immigrants departing from Canada has been on the rise since the late 1980s.
The study revealed that the phenomenon of immigrants departing from Canada has been on the rise since the late 1980s.
There is a sharp increase in immigrants choosing to leave Canada, according to a recent study by The Conference Board of Canada.
The findings challenged the assumption of one-way immigration and raised concerns about the impact on Canada’s population and economic growth strategy, the Immigration.ca reported.
The study revealed that the phenomenon of immigrants departing from Canada has been on the rise since the late 1980s. The years 2017 and 2019 witnessed an unprecedented surge, reaching a historic level of 31 percent, raising questions about the sustainability of Canada’s strategy to leverage immigration for population and economic growth.
The report underscored the critical importance of understanding and addressing the factors contributing to immigrants leaving the country. It emphasizes that sustaining a positive early experience for newcomers is crucial for maximizing immigrant retention, as migration peaks four to seven years after their arrival.
The paper also cited the numerous benefits immigration brings to the Canadian economy, labor market, socio-cultural fabric, and the worker-to-retiree ratio.
“The benefits of immigration are realized over the time that immigrants spend in Canada—the longer they stay, the more they benefit and contribute. Immigrants who thrive are more likely to stay,” the report stated.
Despite this, the study acknowledged that immigrants, like their Canadian-born counterparts, face challenges such as unaffordable housing, limited critical services, and strained infrastructure capacity.
The research also identified unique challenges faced by immigrants, including difficulties in career advancement due to a lack of Canadian work experience and qualifications. These issues contribute to dissatisfaction among immigrants, as evidenced by a 2022 survey revealing that 30 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds feel likely to move to another country in the next two years.
Furthermore, the study by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship indicated a significant drop of 40 percent in the proportion of permanent residents acquiring Canadian citizenship within ten years of arrival between 2001 and 2021.
Canada had earlier revealed its Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026, maintaining existing targets.
In 2024, the goal is to admit 485,000 immigrants, with targets increasing to 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026, as reported by CIC News. These figures align with the previous plan for 2023-2025, with adjustments and the inclusion of the 2026 target.
The economic class is set to welcome 58 percent of the annual target in 2024 (281,135 immigrants), rising to 60 percent (301,250 immigrants) by 2026.
Family class targets for 2024 and 2026 are 114,000 and 118,000 immigrants, respectively. Humanitarian admissions, including refugees, are set at 19 percent (89,865 immigrants) in 2024, decreasing to 16 percent (80,832 immigrants) in 2026. Program-specific targets include 110,700 Express Entry admissions in 2024, increasing to 117,500 in 2025 and 2026. The Provincial Nominee Program targets 110,000 immigrants in 2024, rising to 120,000 in 2025 and maintaining the same in 2026. Spousal sponsorship targets 82,000 immigrants in 2024, growing to 84,000 in 2025 and 2026. The Parents and Grandparents Program aims for 32,000 immigrants in 2024, followed by 34,000 in 2025 and 2026.
Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller said these levels will drive economic and population growth while managing impacts on critical systems.
“These immigration levels will help set the pace of Canada’s economic and population growth while moderating its impact on critical systems such as infrastructure and housing,” he stated.
Starting in 2026, the government plans to stabilize permanent resident levels at 500,000, allowing for integration and labor market enhancement.
