Emigration from Canada Hits Alarming Levels in 2025
Canada is witnessing a growing trend that’s raising concerns among policymakers and economists alike — a rising number of people are packing their bags and leaving the country. According to newly released data from Statistics Canada, a total of 27,086 Canadian citizens and permanent residents emigrated in the first quarter of 2025, marking the second-highest Q1 figure recorded since 2017.
Compared to the same period in 2024, this represents a 3 percent year-over-year increase in emigration. While 2025 hasn’t broken the all-time record, it has come dangerously close, with only 29 fewer departures than in the first quarter of 2017.
More Canadians Are Leaving Than Returning
Although 9,676 emigrants returned to Canada between January and March of 2025, that number remains outpaced by those exiting the country. Even with a slight uptick from the 9,393 returnees in Q1 2024, Canada is seeing a net loss in population due to emigration.
This early-year trend may be just the beginning. Emigration traditionally peaks during the third quarter, often coinciding with seasonal relocations, work or education cycles, and personal life changes. If the historical pattern holds, Canada could see a new annual record by the end of 2025.
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Surging Numbers of Temporary Residents Leaving Too
Beyond citizens and permanent residents, Canada is also seeing an exodus of non-permanent residents. In the first quarter alone, 209,400 individuals on work or study permits left the country, a staggering 54 percent increase from the 135,360 who departed in the same period last year.
This mass departure may be connected to recent federal policy changes. In May, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government announced plans to reduce the number of international students and temporary foreign workers. Tighter visa caps and changing labor dynamics could be pushing non-permanent residents to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Why Are People Leaving Canada?
The phenomenon of Canadians and newcomers leaving is not new — Canada has seen waves of emigration since the 1950s. However, StatCan’s recent findings offer insight into who is most likely to leave and why:
Time Since Arrival
The likelihood of emigration increases three to seven years after arriving in Canada. This window is often when newcomers reassess their settlement success, job stability, and overall quality of life.
Age and Family Status
Individuals over the age of 65 and those without children are more prone to leaving. Many older immigrants return to their countries of origin for retirement, especially if they have family ties or property there.
Entrepreneurial and Investor Profiles
Entrepreneurs and business-class immigrants have higher emigration rates than refugees or caregivers. If their investments don’t yield expected returns, or if business regulations become too restrictive, these individuals may choose to relocate their capital and operations.
Education Level
Surprisingly, highly educated individuals are more likely to emigrate. These professionals may be in demand globally and attracted by better job prospects, higher salaries, or improved work-life balance in other countries.
Country of Origin Plays a Key Role
According to StatCan’s 2024 study, emigration patterns also differ significantly based on the immigrant’s country of origin.
Those born in:
- Taiwan
- United States
- France
- Hong Kong
- Lebanon
are significantly more likely to leave Canada after a few years.
Meanwhile, immigrants from:
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Sri Lanka
- Jamaica
tend to remain in Canada long-term, reflecting different integration patterns, family reunification trends, or satisfaction levels with life in Canada.
What Does This Mean for Canada’s Future?
The rising number of people leaving Canada — especially highly educated and entrepreneurial individuals — poses a potential threat to the country’s long-term growth, innovation, and demographic stability.
It also places pressure on the government to:
- Re-evaluate immigration and retention strategies
- Address affordability issues in major cities
- Ensure employment opportunities align with newcomers’ qualifications
- Build trust and responsiveness in public services
If these issues aren’t addressed, Canada risks losing not just people, but also the talent and diversity it has worked hard to attract.
Final Thoughts
As we move further into 2025, the surge in emigration reflects a broader story of economic uncertainty, shifting policy, and personal reconsiderations. Whether it’s long-time citizens seeking adventure abroad or newcomers reassessing their futures, the message is clear: more people than ever are deciding that life outside Canada may offer a better fit.