Canada is widely regarded as one of the premier destinations for immigration, renowned for its high quality of life, comprehensive healthcare and education systems, and inclusive multicultural society.
However, despite its appeal, Canada isn’t always the final destination for immigrants. According to a recent study conducted by Statistics Canada, more than 15% of immigrants opted to leave the country within 20 years of their initial arrival.
Based on longitudinal data spanning from 1982 to 2017, the study revealed that 17.5% of immigrants departed Canada within 20 years of their initial landing. However, viewed from another perspective, this indicates that over 80% of immigrants who arrived in Canada during the same period chose to remain in the country.
A smaller fraction, accounting for 5.1% of immigrants, left Canada within just five years of their arrival. Nevertheless, various factors influenced the decision of whether an immigrant opted to stay in Canada or not.
Emigration, defined as the act of leaving one’s home country (in this context, Canada) to settle elsewhere, predominantly occurred between three to seven years following immigrants’ initial landing in Canada.
Common characteristics observed among immigrants who chose to leave Canada include:
1. Country of Origin: Immigrants born in Taiwan, the United States, France, Hong Kong, or Lebanon were more likely to emigrate over the study period. Conversely, those born in the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, or Jamaica were the least likely to leave.
2. Family Composition: Immigrants who never had children in their tax family were more inclined to emigrate compared to those who did have children.
3. Immigration Category: Immigrants admitted under investor and entrepreneur categories exhibited a higher likelihood of emigrating, whereas those admitted under refugee or caregiver categories were less prone to leave.
4. Education Level: Emigration patterns displayed a clear gradient based on education level. Immigrants with higher levels of education were significantly more likely to leave Canada than those with lower levels of education.
5. Temporary Status: Immigrants who initially held temporary statuses, such as workers or students, in Canada before acquiring permanent residence were particularly prone to leaving after landing. However, this tendency could be influenced by other characteristics, such as higher education levels.
Overall, these findings shed light on the complex interplay of factors influencing immigrant decisions to remain in or depart from Canada, ranging from country of origin to family composition, immigration category, education level, and initial temporary status.
While Canada is renowned for its immigrant-friendly policies, there are several reasons why newcomers may choose to leave the country even after obtaining permanent residency (PR).
One significant factor is the challenges in integrating into the Canadian labor market. Immigrants may face barriers such as lack of recognition of foreign credentials, limited networking opportunities, or discrimination, which can impede their professional advancement.
Additionally, difficulties adjusting to Canadian culture, language barriers, and the country’s harsh winter weather may contribute to immigrants’ decision to leave. Personal circumstances such as the loss of a loved one or enticing employment opportunities abroad could also play a role, particularly for older immigrants who may opt to retire in their country of origin.
Some newcomers may have always intended to maintain ties with their home country while enjoying the benefits of living in Canada. For instance, immigrants from Hong Kong may leverage modern technology to maintain dual residences, capitalizing on economic opportunities in Hong Kong while enjoying Canada’s quality of life.
However, despite these challenges, the majority of immigrants choose to remain in Canada and even pursue Canadian citizenship. Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism provides a welcoming environment for immigrants from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, with increasing immigration levels, the government has intensified efforts to support newcomers’ integration into the workforce through improved accreditation procedures and increased investment in settlement services. These initiatives aim to ensure that immigrants receive the necessary support to successfully integrate into Canada’s economy, culture, and society.
