Canada has long welcomed newcomers with opportunities, safety, and long-term stability. Yet, where immigrants choose to live after arrival is changing. Recent data on immigrant settlement patterns in Canada shows that mobility within the country is rising, especially during the first few years after admission. Many newcomers are no longer staying in their original destination province. Instead, they are moving in search of jobs, affordable housing, family networks, and a better quality of life. These movements matter. They shape labour markets, housing demand, education systems, and public services across Canada. For policymakers, provinces, and immigrants themselves, the latest trends provide important insight into how settlement decisions are evolving.

Early Mobility Is Rising Among New Immigrants

One of the most striking trends in immigrant settlement patterns in Canada is the increase in interprovincial movement during the first year after arrival. Recent immigrants admitted after 2016 were far more likely to move to another province compared to established immigrants and the Canadian-born population. This shift became even more visible after the COVID period, when internal migration across Canada increased overall.

In 2023, about 86.5 percent of immigrants admitted in the previous year were still living in their intended province. This figure was lower than in earlier years, signalling a greater willingness or need to relocate early. Several factors influence these early moves. Employment availability. Cost of living pressures. Access to housing. Community support. These realities continue to shape settlement decisions soon after arrival.

Provincial Retention Rates Show Clear Differences

Retention rates offer a clearer picture of how provinces are performing in keeping newcomers long-term. Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta continue to record the highest one-year retention rates. Immigrants who initially planned to settle in these provinces were more likely to remain there after one year compared to other regions.

In contrast, Atlantic provinces recorded lower retention rates. While some improvement was observed compared to earlier years, retention remained below pre-pandemic levels. Manitoba followed a similar pattern, with modest recovery but lower retention compared to earlier admission cohorts. The territories also showed fluctuating retention, reflecting smaller populations and limited labour markets. These differences highlight how regional economic strength and infrastructure influence immigrant settlement patterns in Canada.

Ontario Remains the Top Destination for Secondary Moves

When immigrants do leave their intended province, Ontario remains the most common destination. A large share of immigrants admitted elsewhere who relocated within their first year eventually settled in Ontario. This includes immigrants originally destined for Atlantic provinces, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. Ontario also recorded positive net internal migration, meaning it received more immigrants from other provinces than it lost. Alberta and British Columbia showed similar gains, reinforcing their role as strong magnets for internal migration. Meanwhile, provinces such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and several Atlantic regions experienced net losses, meaning more immigrants moved out than moved in.

Five-Year Settlement Patterns Reveal Deeper Trends

Short-term movement tells only part of the story. Five-year retention rates reveal how settlement choices evolve as immigrants establish careers, families, and social networks. Across Canada, about 82.5 percent of immigrants admitted five years earlier were still living in their intended province. However, this rate has declined compared to earlier cohorts. Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec continued to retain the largest shares after five years. Yet even these provinces saw gradual declines over time.

New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island stand out for improvement. Both provinces recorded higher five-year retention rates than in the past, reflecting better settlement supports and provincial programs. Saskatchewan and Manitoba experienced the sharpest declines, indicating ongoing challenges in long-term retention.

Immigration Category Matters for Retention

Not all immigrants follow the same settlement path. The immigration category plays a major role. Family-sponsored immigrants and refugees had the highest five year retention rates. Family ties and community support often anchor these newcomers more firmly to their destination. Economic immigrants showed lower retention, especially those admitted under business and skilled worker categories. This group is more likely to relocate based on job opportunities and career growth. Provincial nominees and Canadian experience class immigrants also showed declining retention over time, suggesting that employment outcomes strongly influence long-term settlement.

Urban Centres Are Losing Long Term Retention

Most immigrants initially settle in large urban centres. Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton remain top entry points. However, five-year retention in major cities has declined. Toronto and Winnipeg recorded some of the largest drops. Many immigrants moved to nearby cities rather than leaving the province entirely. Western cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton performed better than eastern centres in retaining immigrants long-term. These shifts suggest that affordability and housing access are playing an increasing role in immigrant settlement patterns in Canada.

Immigrant settlement patterns in Canada are becoming more fluid and responsive to economic realities. Early mobility is rising. Long-term retention varies by province, city, and immigration category.

For Canada, these trends highlight the need for strong regional planning, housing solutions, and employment pathways that support long-term settlement. For newcomers, they reflect choice and adaptability within a country that continues to offer opportunities across regions.

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