Overview
- An Institute for Canadian Citizenship–Conference Board analysis of tax filings through 2021 finds most departures occur within the first five years after landing.
- Highly educated newcomers are about twice as likely to leave as lower‑skilled peers, with five‑year exit rates reaching 36% for health‑care workers and elevated rates for scientists and senior executives.
- Regional outmigration over 25 years is highest in Atlantic Canada at roughly 36%, compared with about 28% in British Columbia, 27% in Quebec, and around 20% elsewhere.
- The report projects that more than 20,000 of the 380,000 permanent residents planned for next year could depart by 2031 if current patterns persist.
- The institute urges faster credential recognition and settlement‑to‑employment supports as Ottawa advances attraction measures such as a C$1.7‑billion research talent plan, 14‑day visa processing, and a new $97‑million credential fund for health professionals.