Canada has long been viewed as a land of opportunity, attracting immigrants from around the globe with its promise of stability, prosperity, and a high quality of life.
However, a concerning trend has emerged in recent years: a growing number of skilled immigrants, including those with permanent residency, are opting to leave the country. Many of these individuals are well-educated and experienced professionals who arrived through economic immigration programs.
This phenomenon, often called “onward migration,” poses a significant challenge to Canada’s economy and image as an inclusive and welcoming nation.
As the country reduces its immigration targets to tackle housing shortages and affordability issues, the departure of skilled workers could exacerbate existing labor shortages and hinder Canada’s long-term economic growth.
Rapid Population Growth and Changing Policies
Between 2023 and 2024, Canada experienced its largest population growth in history, adding over one million people in just one year. This surge was driven by a high influx of immigrants, international students, and temporary foreign workers.
However, the federal government has since revised its immigration policies, citing challenges related to strained infrastructure and public services.
For the first time in decades, Canada has reduced its permanent immigration targets. Originally set at 500,000 for 2024, the target has been cut by 20% to 395,000 by 2025.
This adjustment marks a notable departure from the previous trend of steadily increasing immigration to meet economic and demographic demands. While the emphasis has been on curbing future immigration, there has been less focus on a crucial issue: keeping the immigrants who are already in Canada.
Data shows that many newcomers, particularly those in the skilled economic class, leave the country within just a few years of their arrival.
Why Skilled Immigrants Are Choosing to Leave Canada
Surprisingly, the immigrants leaving Canada are not those struggling to integrate or find work. Instead, they are highly skilled, educated, and multilingual professionals, carefully chosen to meet Canada’s labor market demands.
These individuals often leave for one of two main reasons: better opportunities elsewhere or dissatisfaction with their experience in Canada.
1. Housing Costs and Living Expenses
One of the most common reasons skilled immigrants move on is Canada’s growing housing crisis.
The soaring cost of living, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, makes it difficult for many to afford housing or achieve the lifestyle they envisioned.
For professionals with global options, relocating to a more affordable country often feels like the logical choice. Many realize that despite earning more in Canada, high living expenses leave them with little to no savings, making their move unsustainable.
2. Underemployment and Career Challenges
Many skilled immigrants arrive in Canada with advanced degrees and professional experience but face significant hurdles in securing jobs that match their qualifications.
Issues like lengthy credential recognition processes, regulatory barriers, and the demand for Canadian work experience often force them into low-paying or unrelated roles.
This lack of opportunities to use their skills and advance their careers is a key reason why many decide to explore options in other countries.
3. Struggles with Healthcare and Social Services
Canada’s overburdened healthcare system is another point of frustration.
Long wait times and limited access to medical care are discouraging for both immigrants and citizens. For newcomers accustomed to more efficient healthcare systems in their home countries, this can be a dealbreaker.
4. Global Competition for Talent
Countries like the United States, Australia, and Germany are competing more aggressively than ever to attract skilled workers.
These nations often provide higher salaries, streamlined immigration processes, and better support systems, making them appealing alternatives for immigrants who feel underappreciated or undervalued in Canada.
The Financial Impact of Skilled Immigrants Leaving Canada
The departure of skilled immigrants is not just a demographic issue—it poses a serious economic challenge for Canada.
Immigrants play a crucial role in the economy, addressing labor shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, and technology. They are also significant contributors to innovation and entrepreneurship.
When skilled immigrants leave, Canada loses more than the talent it worked hard to attract—it also forfeits the economic advantages it bring. Consider the following examples:
- Healthcare: Immigrants represent a large portion of Canada’s healthcare workforce. Their departure risks worsening the ongoing shortages of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, further straining an already overburdened system.
- Construction and Skilled Trades: With an aging population and increasing infrastructure demands, immigrant workers are essential in construction and skilled trades. Onward migration in these sectors could lead to project delays and rising costs.
- Education and Childcare: Many immigrants are employed in education and early childhood care—fields already facing labor shortages. Their absence could place even greater pressure on these vital services, impacting families and communities across the country.
The economic fallout from losing skilled immigrants could hinder growth and strain critical industries, making it a pressing issue for Canada to address.
Looking Ahead
Canada is at a pivotal moment. While lowering immigration targets may address immediate concerns about infrastructure and affordability, it doesn’t tackle the deeper issues causing skilled immigrants to leave.
If this trend continues, Canada risks losing its competitive advantage in the global talent market.
Immigration has been a foundational element of Canada’s identity and economic growth.
To preserve this legacy, the country must not only attract top talent but also create conditions that encourage them to stay.
By doing so, Canada can ensure a more inclusive and prosperous future for everyone.
