Many people move to Canada with big hopes. Good jobs, safe life, better schools, and a peaceful future are the main reasons. But in the last few years, I have noticed a different type of discussion growing among immigrants, students, workers, and even Canadian citizens.
People are not only asking how to move to Canada now. Many are also asking whether they should stay in Canada or move somewhere else.
The latest population data from Statistics Canada has made this question more serious. In the first quarter of 2026, Canada saw a record number of citizens and permanent residents leave the country. At the same time, a large number of temporary residents also left Canada.
This is not just a small change in numbers. It shows a bigger shift in how people are looking at life, cost, jobs, housing, and long term plans in Canada.
What The Latest Canada Emigration Data Shows
According to Statistics Canada data released on June 17, 2026, 30,092 Canadian citizens and permanent residents emigrated from Canada in the first quarter of 2026.
This is the highest first quarter emigration number recorded in the available data.
In the same period, 9,952 returning emigrants came back to Canada. After adjusting for returning residents, Canada had a net emigration loss of 20,140 people in Q1 2026.
The bigger change came from non permanent residents.
Only 81,380 new non permanent residents arrived in Canada during Q1 2026. At the same time, 199,259 non permanent residents left. This created a net loss of 117,879 temporary residents in just three months.
After adding new permanent residents and natural population change, Canada still saw its population fall by 55,025 people from January 1 to April 1, 2026.
Canada’s estimated population was 41,417,056 on April 1, 2026.
Why This Update Matters
For many years, Canada was known as a country with strong population growth through immigration. Newcomers, students, skilled workers, and families helped support the labour market and economy.
But now the picture is changing.
Canada saw a population decline for the second quarter in a row. Q4 2025 also showed a decline of 103,504 people.
This does not mean Canada is no longer a popular country. It still attracts many skilled workers and students. But it does show that many people are finding it harder to stay for the long term.
The issue is not only immigration intake. The bigger question is retention.
In simple words, Canada is not only trying to bring people in. It also needs to keep people who are already living there.
Full Year 2025 Also Set A Record
The full year 2025 data shows that 120,640 people emigrated from Canada.
This was the highest annual emigration number in the Statistics Canada dataset going back to 1952.
After counting returning emigrants, Canada’s net emigration in 2025 was 65,706. That means Canada lost around 180 people per day on a net basis through emigration alone.
Here is the recent trend in simple form.
Recent Canada Emigration Numbers
| Year | Total Emigrants | Net Emigration |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 only | 30,092 | 20,140 |
| 2025 | 120,640 | 65,706 |
| 2024 | 118,409 | 64,452 |
| 2023 | 117,367 | 64,080 |
| 2022 | 110,172 | 58,570 |
| 2021 | 83,357 | 39,161 |
| 2020 | 60,407 | 19,235 |
| 2019 | 90,460 | 35,791 |
The numbers show a clear rise after 2020. Some of this was linked to the return of international movement after the pandemic. But the increase has continued for several years, which makes it more important.
Temporary Residents Are Leaving Fast
The biggest population pressure right now is coming from the non permanent resident category.
Non permanent residents include many international students, work permit holders, asylum claimants, and some temporary status holders.
Canada’s non permanent resident population reached a high point of more than 3.14 million in Q3 2024. By April 1, 2026, it had dropped to about 2.56 million.
That is a fall of more than 590,000 temporary residents in six quarters.
This change is linked to new government policy. Canada has been trying to reduce the share of temporary residents to below 5 percent of the population by the end of 2027.
The 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan also reduced temporary resident arrival targets. Canada set a target of 385,000 new temporary resident arrivals for 2026.
Why Are People Leaving Canada
There is no single reason. People leave because of a mix of personal, financial, and policy related issues.
From what many applicants, students, workers, and families discuss online, these are some of the main reasons.
High Cost Of Living
Housing is one of the biggest concerns.
Rent is still expensive in many job focused cities. Toronto, Vancouver, Mississauga, Brampton, Ottawa, Calgary, and other cities have become difficult for many new families and young workers.
Even when people earn a decent income, rent, groceries, transport, phone bills, insurance, and childcare can make monthly life stressful.
For a new immigrant, this can feel very different from the dream they had before arriving.
Housing Pressure
Many people move to Canada expecting a stable life. But buying a home has become very hard in many areas.
Even renting a clean and suitable place can take a large share of monthly income.
This affects students, temporary workers, new permanent residents, and even Canadian citizens.
When people feel they cannot build a secure future, they start looking at other countries or return to their home country.
Temporary Resident Policy Changes
Many temporary residents came to Canada with the hope of moving from study permit or work permit to permanent residency.
But recent rules have become stricter.
Study permit caps, work permit changes, and limited PR pathways have made the future less clear for many people.
Some temporary residents are leaving because their permits are expiring. Others are leaving because they do not see a practical path to permanent residence.
Job And Income Pressure
Canada has many job opportunities, but not every newcomer gets a job in their field quickly.
Some skilled people work survival jobs for months or years. Many face slow hiring, local experience barriers, licensing problems, or long credential checks.
For a person who came with professional experience, this can be disappointing.
If the same person gets a better offer in the United States, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, or their home country, leaving Canada can become a practical decision.
Long Waits And Uncertainty
Immigration processing delays also affect people.
When applications stay pending for a long time, people cannot plan properly. They may not know whether to renew a permit, change jobs, move province, or leave the country.
This uncertainty can push people to choose a more stable option somewhere else.
Which Provinces Are Seeing Different Trends
The data also shows movement inside Canada.
Alberta continues to attract people from other provinces. It has gained from interprovincial migration for many quarters. Lower housing costs compared with Ontario and British Columbia, job options, and a strong economy are some of the reasons.
Ontario is still losing people to other provinces. In 2025, Ontario lost a net 14,044 residents to other provinces.
Quebec also saw a net loss to other provinces in 2025.
Nova Scotia and British Columbia had some gains, but the overall pattern shows that people are choosing provinces based on affordability, jobs, and future stability.
What This Means For Immigrants And Applicants
If you are planning to move to Canada, this data does not mean you should cancel your plan.
But it does mean you should plan more carefully.
Canada can still be a good option for many people. But it is not easy for everyone. The best result usually comes when a person has a clear job plan, enough savings, realistic expectations, and a strong understanding of immigration rules.
What Applicants Should Check Before Moving
Before making a big move, check these points carefully.
- Check the cost of rent in your target city.
- Compare your expected salary with real monthly expenses.
- Understand your visa or permit conditions.
- Check if your job field needs Canadian licensing.
- Look at PR pathways before choosing a study program or job.
- Keep emergency savings for at least a few months.
- Do not depend only on agent promises.
- Read official government updates yourself.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many people make decisions based on only one success story. This can be risky.
- Avoid these common mistakes.
- Do not assume every study program will lead to PR.
- Do not choose a college only because it is cheaper.
- Do not move without checking housing costs.
- Do not believe guaranteed PR claims.
- Do not ignore permit expiry dates.
- Do not wait until the last month to plan your next step.
- Do not compare Canada only with social media videos.
- Do not leave your current country without a backup plan.
What Canada Is Doing Now
Canada has lowered permanent resident targets from the earlier 500,000 level. The 2026 to 2028 plan sets permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year.
The government is also reducing temporary resident numbers. This includes tighter rules for study permits and work permits.
At the same time, Canada is still focusing on skilled workers, healthcare workers, French language candidates, and people with Canadian work experience.
This means Canada is not closing immigration. It is trying to manage immigration in a more controlled way.
For applicants, the lesson is simple. Random planning will not work like before. A strong profile, correct pathway, and proper documents matter more now.
Will Canada Continue To Lose People
The next few quarters will be important.
If Q2 and Q3 2026 also show high emigration, Canada may set another annual record. Q3 is usually a high movement period because many people relocate around school, work, and family planning cycles.
But it is also possible that some numbers may be revised later. Statistics Canada has already said that Q1 2026 numbers are preliminary and will be updated when more complete data is available.
So this trend should be watched carefully, not treated as a final long term result yet.
FAQs
In Q1 2026, 30,092 Canadian citizens and permanent residents emigrated from Canada. This was the highest first quarter emigration count in the available Statistics Canada data.
Yes. Canada’s population declined by 55,025 people between January 1 and April 1, 2026. The estimated population was 41,417,056 on April 1, 2026.
Canada recorded 120,640 emigrants in 2025. This was the highest annual emigration number in the Statistics Canada dataset going back to 1952.
Net emigration means total emigrants minus returning emigrants. It shows the real population loss from people leaving Canada after adjusting for people who came back.
Many temporary residents are leaving due to permit expiry, stricter study and work permit rules, fewer temporary resident arrivals, and limited PR pathways for some applicants.
Yes. Canada is still accepting immigrants. The 2026 to 2028 plan sets permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year. But the government is reducing temporary resident numbers and making the system more targeted.
Fact Check
- The main population and migration figures in this article are based on Statistics Canada data released on June 17, 2026.
- Canada’s population was estimated at 41,417,056 on April 1, 2026.
- Canada’s population declined by 55,025 people in Q1 2026.
- Canada recorded 30,092 emigrants in Q1 2026.
- Canada recorded 120,640 emigrants in 2025.
- Canada’s 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan sets permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year.
- Canada’s 2026 temporary resident arrival target is 385,000.
- Q1 2026 figures are preliminary and may be revised in future Statistics Canada updates.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s record emigration numbers show that many people are rethinking their future. Some are leaving because of cost. Some are leaving because of job pressure. Some are leaving because their temporary status is ending.
For future immigrants, the message is clear. Canada is still an important destination, but planning matters more than ever.
A strong immigration plan should include money planning, job research, province selection, and a clear path to permanent residency. Moving without these checks can create stress later.
Disclaimer
This article is for general immigration news and information only. It is not legal advice. Immigration rules, permit rules, and population data can change. Readers should always check official Government of Canada, IRCC, and Statistics Canada sources before making any immigration decision.
Status: Canadian Citizen
Experience: 7+ years as an Immigration Filing Officer.
Extensive experience managing an immigration company.
Education: Business Management and Human Resources
I have over seven years of experience helping people with Canadian immigration. I understand immigration policies well and am dedicated to making them easy to understand. CIKH is the go-to place for the latest updates on Canadian immigration, including PNPs, Express Entry, and more. It helps people by giving clear and accurate information, whether they are planning to move to Canada, already living here, or working in immigration. With a team of experts, CIKH makes it easy to understand immigration rules and policies so people can make the right decisions for their journey. CIKH offers verified, up-to-date information on policies, news, and guidelines.