The Canada to US migration of skilled professionals has become a hot topic again—and for good reason. While Canada continues to attract global talent, a silent shift is happening under the radar. Talented Canadian citizens, both native-born and immigrants, are heading south in search of broader opportunities, often driven by economic incentives and career growth.
But what does this trend actually look like today? Is it still a “brain drain” as once feared in the 1990s, or have the tides changed in recent years?
We dug into the data to uncover a surprising trend that paints a more complex picture of this cross-border talent flow.
Canada to US Migration: A Historic Imbalance
Let’s start with permanent immigration. For decades, more individuals have moved permanently from Canada to the U.S. than the other way around. In the 2000s, over 15,000 Canadian-born people were granted U.S. permanent residency annually. By the late 2010s, that number dropped to 10,900—a 30% decline. Yet despite this dip, Canada still saw more permanent outflows than inflows. Foreign-born residents living in Canada are even more likely to migrate to the U.S. permanently than Canadian-born individuals, suggesting a pattern of “second-step migration,” where immigrants first come to Canada and then head to the U.S.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Year | Canadian-Born to U.S. | U.S.-Born to Canada |
| 2010 | ~15,600 | ~5,000 |
| 2019 | ~10,900 | ~7,000 |
| 2022 | ~11,000 | ~9,500 |
Since 2018, however, the flow of permanent migration has started to even out. In some years, Canada has even seen more Americans immigrate than vice versa, thanks to changing job markets, immigration policies, and post-COVID recovery patterns.
What About Temporary Skilled Workers?
While permanent migration grabs headlines, temporary work visa programs tell a different story, especially for highly skilled professionals. A large number of Canadians live and work in the U.S. on temporary permits long before they ever seek a Green Card. The U.S. PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) system—used for employer-sponsored permanent residency—shows that fewer Canadians are applying for long-term U.S. employment.
- From 2015 to 2024, total applicants dropped 26%.
- Canadian-born applicants fell 36%.
- Foreign-born Canadian applicants dropped only 17%.
Interestingly, by 2024, 60% of all Canadian applicants were foreign-born, showing that immigrants in Canada are still strongly drawn to U.S. opportunities.
Fields and Wages: Where Are They Going?
Most Canadian applicants to the U.S. PERM system work in:
- Computer & Mathematical Roles
- Architecture & Engineering
- Management
These fields accounted for nearly 46% of applications, and even higher (52%) among foreign-born Canadians. The median wage offered? A solid $137,000 USD in 2024, only slightly down from $144,000 in 2015.
Education levels are dropping slightly, though:
- Master’s or PhD holders went from 41% to 31%.
- Still, the skill level remains high compared to other immigrant groups.
What This Means for Canada’s Immigration System
So, is Canada really losing out in this talent exchange? Not entirely. While Canada continues to be a top destination for global talent, it must also recognize that retaining skilled individuals—particularly foreign-born citizens—is a challenge. The high wage offers and abundant opportunities in the U.S., especially in STEM fields, remain strong magnets.
But Canada is catching up. Since 2018, the net flow of permanent residents between Canada and the U.S. has leveled out. A growing number of Americans and international professionals are choosing Canada for its quality of life, progressive policies, and inclusive pathways to permanent residency.
Canada to U.S. Migration Still a Two-Way Street
Canada to U.S. migration story isn’t a simple tale of brain drain anymore. It’s a two-way exchange, shaped by evolving immigration policies, labour market shifts, and global events like the pandemic.
Yes, highly skilled Canadians—especially immigrants—still move to the U.S. for high-paying jobs. But Canada is also attracting more U.S. residents and international professionals than ever before.
At ImmigCanada, we help you understand these trends and take advantage of the best immigration options—whether you’re planning to build a future in Canada or exploring professional opportunities across borders. Want to stay ahead in the world of immigration? Follow us for the latest updates, policies, and expert analysis.
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