Statistics Canada recently published a study that revealed the retention rate of Canadian cities for immigrants. The study used the data of immigrants who came to Canada in 2014 through tax file analysis from the 2020 Longitudinal Immigration Database.
According to the study, Vancouver, Toronto, and Edmonton had the highest retention rates among Canadian cities. Immigrants who moved to Vancouver and Toronto in 2014 had the highest retention rate at 86% staying in the city in the next five years. Edmonton took third place at around 85%.
Family-sponsored immigrants were most likely to stay in their intended city of admission than any other group. Immigration to Canada involves three classes. These three classes are as follows:
economic-class immigrants with work experience
refugees seeking refuge in the country mainly for humanitarian reasons and
family-class immigrants sponsored by Canadians, mostly their spouse
Halifax had the highest retention rate of nearly 58% in Atlantic Canada. Nova Scotia also had the highest retention rate in the region, with nearly 63%. An immigrant's work or study experience in Canada before immigration plays a role in determining whether they remain in their province or territory of residence after admission.
Among immigrants admitted in 2014 with work experience, those who stayed in their province or territory more often, indicate that employment is a key factor in retaining immigrants.