The pressing challenge of the significant proportion of immigrants leaving Canada after settling here is addressed in a new report by the Conference Board of Canada. Despite the nation’s opportunities, onward migration poses risks to its economic, social, and cultural goals.
In a foreword to The Leaky Bucket 2024, Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship wrote: “These are not desperate people fleeing destitution for the comfort of Canada’s generosity. Rather, they are a globally coveted talent pool with global options. When we fail to retain newcomers, we are essentially helping them to contribute to another country’s success.”
Who is Leaving and When?
Economic Immigrants Lead Onward Migration
Economic immigrants are the most likely to leave, particularly those selected for their skills and potential to address labour shortages. This category, encompassing tradespeople, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs, forms nearly half of all onward migrants. Their departure undermines Canada’s economic aspirations and investments in settlement services.
Early Years
One-third of immigrants who leave do so within the first five years of arrival, with the risk peaking around three to seven years. These early departures highlight the critical importance of initial settlement experiences in shaping long-term retention.
Regional and Demographic Variations
Onward migration rates vary significantly by region. For example, Atlantic Canada experiences the highest early departure rates, which hinders regional immigration programs designed to bolster these provinces. Francophone immigrants are particularly affected, with cumulative onward migration rates reaching 35 percent, notably impacting Ontario and Quebec.
What is Driving Onward Migration?
Limited Regional Opportunities
Provinces like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick struggle to retain immigrants, particularly outside major cities like Halifax and Moncton. Limited economic and social opportunities in these areas make them less attractive. In 2021, a government release said an Atlantic Immigration Pilot had brought and retained thousands of newcomers to the region. These new Canadians have helped communities thrive, businesses prosper, and the region’s population grow.
Challenges for International Students
International students transitioning to permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class or provincial programs have the highest onward migration rates. Many leave without fully realizing the benefits of their Canadian education due to limited job opportunities or dashed hopes.
Linguistic Barriers and Francophone Challenges
Francophone immigrants, particularly in anglophone-majority regions, face cultural and linguistic challenges that hinder their integration. These barriers often lead to early departure, especially within two years of arrival.
Dual Citizenship Restrictions
Countries with restrictive dual citizenship policies, such as China, India, and South Korea, show higher onward migration rates. Immigrants’ inability to retain their original citizenship impacts their settlement decisions and economic strategies.
Economic and Policy Implications
Economic Costs
Every immigrant who leaves represents a loss of the investments made in their settlement and integration. For example, the cost of training and settlement services for skilled workers and international students is not recouped when they depart.
Regional and Sectoral Strains
The uneven distribution of immigrants and their retention rates exacerbate regional labour shortages and undermine programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program. Onward migration worsens skill shortages in high-demand sectors such as healthcare and construction.
Broader Impact on Immigration Objectives
Canada’s immigration strategy relies on long-term contributions from newcomers to sustain economic growth, address demographic challenges, and enrich cultural diversity. Onward migration jeopardizes these goals, requiring urgent attention to policy and program design.
Recommendations
Focus on Early Retention
Tailored Support Within the First Five Years:
The initial settlement period is crucial. Targeted programs like mentorship initiatives and community integration activities can foster a sense of belonging and improve early retention.
The 2017 Atlantic Immigration Pilot brought over 10,000 new permanent residents to Atlantic Canada. Participating employers have made over 9,800 job offers in critical sectors, including health care, accommodations, food services and manufacturing. Over 90 percent of applicants lived in the region after one year.
Regional Incentives:
Tax benefits, housing assistance, or additional support in high-migration-risk regions can help retain immigrants in areas like Atlantic Canada.
Francophone Integration
Cultural and Linguistic Programs:
Strengthen francophone community networks outside Quebec to support newcomers. Offer expanded integration services that address cultural and linguistic barriers in Ontario and other provinces.
Monitor and Address Systemic Barriers
Dual Citizenship Reforms:
Advocate for flexible policies regarding dual citizenship to address one of the critical factors driving onward migration.
Data-Driven Policies:
Implement retention targets in immigration planning and regularly monitor onward migration rates to inform and adjust programs.
More Stakeholder Collaboration
Municipal and Community Roles:
Engage local governments, educational institutions, and community organizations in developing retention-focused initiatives.
Employer Partnerships:
Encourage businesses to provide mentorship, training, and career growth opportunities to international students and skilled workers.
Sustainable Immigration Future
The Leaky Bucket 2024 report underscores that Canada’s immigration success cannot solely be measured by the number of newcomers it attracts. Retention is equally critical. By addressing the factors driving onward migration—particularly in the first five years—Canada can safeguard its investments in immigration and ensure that newcomers remain integral to its economic and social fabric.
Tailored retention strategies, collaborative efforts across sectors, and a renewed focus on inclusion and opportunity will be essential. Only then can Canada stop its bucket from leaking and truly maximize the benefits of immigration. As the Institute for Canadian Citizenship CEO said, the exodus of immigrants means Canada’s loss is the gain of other countries.
FAQ: Addressing Immigrant Onward Migration in Canada
What is onward migration, and why is it a concern for Canada?
Onward migration refers to immigrants leaving Canada after settling, often for opportunities in other countries. It’s a concern because it undermines Canada’s investments in immigration, such as settlement services and training, and affects economic and social objectives. Retaining immigrants is essential to sustaining economic growth, addressing demographic challenges, and enriching cultural diversity. Each departure represents a missed opportunity to maximize these benefits for Canada.
Why do economic immigrants have higher onward migration rates?
Economic immigrants often leave due to unmet job expectations, limited career growth, or challenges in adapting to local economies. These individuals, selected for their skills, are globally sought-after and have other options. Without tailored support, their departure erodes efforts to address labor shortages in sectors like healthcare and trades, particularly in regions like Atlantic Canada where retention is already a challenge.
How does the first five years impact immigrant retention?
The first five years are critical, as one-third of immigrants who leave Canada do so during this period. Settlement experiences, such as finding stable employment, housing, and community integration, shape decisions to stay. Tailored programs offering mentorship, local networking, and cultural support during these early years can significantly improve retention, reducing the risk of onward migration.
What regional challenges affect immigrant retention in Canada?
Regions like Atlantic Canada face higher onward migration rates due to limited economic and social opportunities outside major cities. For instance, rural areas struggle to attract and retain immigrants despite regional programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program. Targeted incentives such as housing assistance, tax benefits, and community integration initiatives can address these challenges and improve regional retention.
How can Canada improve its immigrant retention strategies?
Canada can enhance retention by focusing on early settlement support, offering tailored services during the critical first five years, and addressing systemic barriers like dual citizenship restrictions. Strengthening partnerships between governments, employers, and communities, along with data-driven policies and regional incentives, can also foster a sense of belonging. Expanding francophone integration services in non-Quebec provinces and advocating for dual citizenship flexibility are essential steps.
