Most new Canadians are choosing to stay despite emigration reports

Key Takeaways

• Over 80% of immigrants remain in Canada long-term despite a 31% rise in emigration rates.
• Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027 reduces permanent resident targets from 395,000 in 2025 to 365,000 in 2027.
• More than 40% of new permanent residents in 2025 are selected from temporary residents living in Canada.

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines the latest trends and policy changes affecting new Canadians, focusing on emigration patterns, the government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027, and the practical implications for permanent resident applicants, provinces, and employers. The goal is to provide a clear, evidence-based overview of how recent developments shape the experience of immigrants in Canada 🇨🇦, with special attention to retention, integration, and labour market alignment.

Methodology

This content draws on recent government data, policy announcements, and a new study on immigrant emigration rates. It reviews official statistics, analyzes policy changes, and presents multiple perspectives from federal and provincial governments, employers, and immigrants themselves. Key findings are presented upfront, followed by detailed data, trend analysis, and practical guidance for stakeholders.

Key Findings

• Most new Canadians remain in Canada 🇨🇦 long-term: Over 80% of immigrants stay, despite a modest rise in emigration rates.
• Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027 reduces permanent resident targets: The government aims for 395,000 PR admissions in 2025, decreasing to 365,000 by 2027.
• Policy now prioritizes in-Canada applicants: Over 40% of new permanent residents in 2025 will be selected from temporary residents already living in Canada 🇨🇦.
• Temporary resident caps and stricter eligibility: New limits on international students and foreign workers, plus tighter rules for spousal open work permits, aim to stabilize growth.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) quotas cut: Some provinces, like British Columbia, face halved nomination quotas, focusing on high-demand occupations.
• Express Entry changes: Priority is given to candidates with Canadian work experience and those in critical sectors such as healthcare, trades, and education.
• Francophone and rural initiatives: New pilot programs support French-speaking and rural immigrants.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

Emigration Rates

A recent study found that 17.5% of immigrants who arrived in Canada 🇨🇦 over a 20-year period eventually left. This is a 31% increase over historical averages, but it means that more than 80% of immigrants remain in Canada 🇨🇦 long-term. Imagine a group of 100 new Canadians: about 82 will stay, while 18 may eventually leave. This visual helps put the numbers in perspective.

Permanent Resident Admissions

• 2025 Target: 395,000 new permanent residents
• 2026 Target: 380,000
• 2027 Target: 365,000

These numbers are 105,000 lower than previous projections for 2025, showing a clear shift toward more managed growth.

Breakdown by Category (2027 projection)

• 62% Economic Class: Skilled workers, business immigrants, and others selected for their ability to contribute to the economy
• Francophone Immigration (outside Quebec): 8.5% in 2025, rising to 10% in 2027

Provincial Nominee Program (BC Example)

• 2025 Quota: 4,000 nominations (down from 8,000 in previous years)

Temporary Residents

• Over 40% of PR admissions in 2025 will come from people already in Canada 🇨🇦 as temporary residents (students or workers)

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Historical Context

Since the 1980s, outward migration among immigrants has increased, but it remains a minority trend. The recent 17.5% emigration rate is higher than in past decades, but the vast majority of new Canadians continue to build their lives in Canada 🇨🇦.

Policy Evolution

Canada 🇨🇦 has moved from rapid, post-pandemic population growth to a more targeted approach. The Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027 reflects this, with lower targets and a focus on applicants already living in the country. This shift aims to balance economic needs with the ability of communities to support newcomers.

Labour Market Alignment

Recent policy changes show a clear trend: immigration is being tailored to fill shortages in healthcare, skilled trades, and education. For example, Express Entry draws in 2025 will prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience and those in critical sectors.

Francophone and Rural Focus

The government is increasing targets for French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec and launching new pilot programs for rural communities. This supports both demographic and economic goals, helping smaller communities grow and thrive.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• Retention is strong: Despite some increase in emigration, most new Canadians stay and contribute to Canadian society.
• Policy is more targeted: The government is focusing on applicants with Canadian experience and those in high-demand fields, aiming for better integration and long-term success.
• Growth is being managed: Caps on temporary residents and reduced PR targets are designed to ensure that infrastructure and social services can keep up with population changes.
• Provinces must adapt: With lower PNP quotas, provinces are focusing on high-impact skilled workers and frontline healthcare professionals.

Limitations

• Data lag: Emigration rates are based on studies covering the past 20 years, so the most recent trends may not be fully captured.
• Regional variation: Some provinces may experience different impacts from quota changes, depending on local labour market needs.
• Integration challenges remain: While policy is shifting to address barriers, some new Canadians still face difficulties with employment, affordability, and social integration.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

For New Canadians and Permanent Resident Applicants

• Preference for Canadian experience: Those already studying or working in Canada 🇨🇦 have a better chance of becoming permanent residents.
• Stricter rules for spouses: As of January 21, 2025, only spouses of students in certain programs or workers in high-demand jobs can get open work permits.
• More competition for PNP spots: With lower quotas, applicants need to meet higher standards, especially in provinces like British Columbia.

For Provinces and Employers

• Labour shortages addressed: Targeted immigration helps fill gaps in healthcare, trades, and education.
• Need for local adaptation: Provinces must adjust their own programs to match new federal priorities and reduced quotas.

For Communities

• Stabilized growth: Caps on temporary residents help ensure that housing, schools, and healthcare can keep pace with population changes.
• Support for rural and Francophone areas: New pilot programs aim to attract and retain immigrants in communities that need population growth.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Newcomers

1. Temporary Residents (Students/Workers)
   • Apply for permanent residence through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
   • Preference is given to those with Canadian work or study experience.
2. Express Entry
   • Candidates in the Canadian Experience Class or with skills in priority sectors (healthcare, trades, education) are more likely to receive invitations to apply for permanent residence.
3. Provincial Nominee Programs
   • Apply through provincial streams, but be aware of reduced quotas and stricter eligibility in some provinces.
4. Francophone and Rural Programs
   • Eligible candidates can apply through new pilot programs designed for French-speaking and rural communities.

Multiple Perspectives

• Government: Focused on sustainable growth, labour market needs, and retention of new Canadians.
• Immigrants: While some leave due to employment barriers or integration challenges, most remain and contribute to society.
• Provinces: Adjusting to reduced quotas and new federal priorities, with some concern about meeting local labour needs.
• Employers: Support targeted immigration to fill critical shortages, especially in healthcare and skilled trades.

Background and Historical Development

Canada 🇨🇦 has a long history of welcoming immigrants, with policies evolving to meet changing economic and social needs. In the 1980s, outward migration among immigrants was lower, but as global mobility increased, so did emigration rates. The current approach reflects lessons learned from rapid population growth after the pandemic, aiming for a balance between economic opportunity and community capacity.

Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

• Continued policy adjustments: The government will keep refining immigration streams and quotas as economic and demographic trends evolve.
• Integration initiatives: Ongoing efforts will focus on helping new Canadians settle and succeed, especially in rural and Francophone communities.
• Monitoring emigration trends: Policymakers and researchers will continue to track why some immigrants leave and how to improve retention.

Visual Summary

Imagine a flow chart showing the journey of a new Canadian:

• Temporary Resident (student/worker) → Express Entry/PNP (with Canadian experience prioritized) → Permanent Resident
• Permanent Resident → Long-term Settlement (over 80% stay) or Emigration (about 17.5% leave over 20 years)

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information on immigration policy, application procedures, and eligibility, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) official website.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that while emigration among immigrants has increased, the government’s targeted approach—focusing on in-Canada applicants, critical sectors, and community capacity—offers a strong foundation for the long-term retention and success of new Canadians.

Actionable Takeaways

• If you are a temporary resident (student or worker), focus on gaining Canadian experience to improve your chances of becoming a permanent resident.
• Check eligibility for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs, especially if you work in healthcare, trades, or education.
• Stay informed about changing rules for spousal open work permits and temporary resident caps.
• Explore pilot programs if you are French-speaking or interested in living in a rural community.
• Employers and provinces should align recruitment and support efforts with new federal priorities and quotas.

Conclusion

Despite some increase in emigration rates, the vast majority of new Canadians remain in the country and contribute to its growth. The government’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan reflects a careful, targeted approach—prioritizing retention, integration, and alignment with labour market needs. As policies continue to evolve, new Canadians, employers, and communities can expect ongoing support and opportunities for long-term success in Canada 🇨🇦.

Learn Today

Permanent Resident → A non-citizen permitted to live and work indefinitely in Canada while retaining immigrant status.
Immigration Levels Plan → Federal strategy setting annual targets for new permanent residents admitted to Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program → Program allowing provinces to nominate immigration candidates based on regional labor needs.
Express Entry → A points-based system prioritizing skilled immigrants with Canadian experience for permanent residence.
Spousal Open Work Permit → A work permit allowing spouses of certain temporary residents to work in Canada.

This Article in a Nutshell

Canada’s immigration policies are evolving with reduced permanent resident targets and priority for in-Canada applicants, focusing on healthcare, trades, and Francophone communities for sustainable growth.
— By VisaVerge.com