Most New Canadians Are Staying for Good: StatsCan Study Debunks Emigration Myth

A common belief persists that many new Canadians, after gaining citizenship, leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. However, a recent study by Statistics Canada challenges this perception, offering a more nuanced understanding of immigrant retention in the country.

The research, which tracked immigrants admitted between 2008 and 2012, focused on those aged 25 to 54 at the time of admission. It defined “active presence” in Canada as filing income taxes, a strong indicator of residency and economic participation.

The findings are clear: 93% of new citizens still had an active presence in Canada ten years after their initial admission. This contrasts sharply with the 67% retention rate for immigrants in the same age group who did not obtain citizenship.

These numbers suggest that acquiring Canadian citizenship is closely linked to long-term retention. The study debunks the myth that new citizens frequently leave Canada for “greener pastures,” as the data shows the vast majority remain engaged with the country.

Moreover, retention rates have improved for more recent immigrant cohorts, indicating that Canada’s efforts to integrate and retain new citizens are showing positive results. This trend underscores the effectiveness of Canada’s immigration policies and its ability to attract and keep skilled, talented individuals.

Read more about this study and its implications for Canada’s immigration landscape in the full report, available here.

The study’s findings underscore the significant role that Canadian citizenship plays in long-term retention. By examining the active presence of immigrants through income tax filings, researchers were able to paint a clearer picture of who stays in Canada and why. The data reveals that the majority of new citizens, 93%, remained actively engaged in the Canadian economy a decade after their arrival.

Contrastingly, immigrants in the same age group who did not pursue citizenship were far less likely to stay, with only 67% maintaining an active presence after ten years. This stark difference highlights the strong correlation between citizenship acquisition and long-term retention, challenging the notion that new citizens often leave Canada for other opportunities.

Furthermore, the research indicates that retention rates have improved for more recent immigrant cohorts, suggesting that Canada’s immigration policies and integration efforts are becoming increasingly effective. This trend bodes well for the country’s ability to attract and retain skilled and talented individuals who contribute to its economic and social fabric.

These insights are particularly relevant as Canada continues to rely on immigration to address labor shortages and population aging. The study’s results reinforce the importance of citizenship as a key factor in ensuring the long-term integration and retention of new Canadians.

Conclusion

The study by Statistics Canada provides compelling evidence that the majority of new Canadian citizens remain actively engaged in the country long after gaining citizenship. With a 93% retention rate among citizens compared to 67% for non-citizens, the data clearly indicates that acquiring citizenship is a strong indicator of long-term retention. This challenges the common perception that new citizens often leave Canada for other opportunities. Instead, the findings suggest that Canada’s immigration policies and integration efforts are effective in retaining skilled and talented individuals, contributing positively to the nation’s economic and social fabric. As Canada continues to rely on immigration to address labor shortages and population aging, the importance of citizenship as a key factor in long-term integration cannot be overstated.

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