Canada’s immigration story is not only about arrivals. It is also about where newcomers choose to stay and build their lives. In a major shift, Quebec immigrant retention has reached a historic milestone, placing the province ahead of Ontario for the first time when it comes to keeping new permanent residents after their first year in Canada. Recent data confirms that Quebec is no longer just attracting immigrants. It is retaining them. This development signals a deeper change in settlement patterns across Canada and reflects how provinces are adapting to post pandemic mobility trends. For newcomers, policymakers, and employers, this moment matters.

Quebec Immigrant Retention Sets a New National Benchmark

According to the latest Statistics Canada data, Quebec immigrant retention stood at 91.5% for permanent residents who landed in 2022 and initially planned to settle in the province. Ontario followed closely at 91.3%. While the difference may appear narrow, the significance is substantial. Ontario has traditionally led Canada in newcomer settlement stability. Quebec surpassing Ontario highlights a turning point in how immigrants evaluate quality of life, economic opportunity, and long term settlement prospects.

Even more striking is the growth trend. Quebec’s retention rate increased from 85.9% in 2019 to 91.5% in 2022. Ontario’s figures, in contrast, remained largely steady over the same period. This upward momentum positions Quebec as a destination where newcomers are not only arriving but choosing to stay.

Why Quebec Immigrant Retention Is Rising

Several factors are contributing to the rise in Quebec immigrant retention, especially at a time when interprovincial mobility has increased across Canada. Housing affordability plays a role. While pressure exists nationwide, Quebec continues to offer comparatively balanced housing options in major urban centres and regional communities. This helps newcomers settle without facing immediate cost shocks.

Employment access is another driver. Quebec’s labour market has shown strong demand in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, education, and skilled trades. For immigrants, early job alignment often determines whether they remain in their province of arrival.

Language integration also supports retention. French language programs and workplace integration initiatives help newcomers feel connected socially and professionally. This sense of belonging influences long term settlement decisions. Together, these elements strengthen Quebec’s ability to retain talent during the critical first year.

Interprovincial Mobility Remains High Across Canada

Canada has experienced increased internal mobility since the pandemic. More residents are moving between provinces in search of better opportunities, affordability, and lifestyle balance. Despite this broader trend, Quebec immigrant retention continues to rise. This is particularly notable given that mobility levels are higher now than before 2020.

Ontario continues to receive a large share of newcomers who relocate after arrival elsewhere. However, Quebec’s ability to keep its initial arrivals suggests stronger settlement alignment from the start. In 2022, Quebec also recorded a net gain of 2,095 immigrants through internal migration. This placed the province ahead of British Columbia and Alberta, reinforcing its growing role as both a destination and a stabilizer in Canada’s immigration system.

How Quebec Compares With Other Provinces

Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta remain top destinations for newcomers. However, their retention patterns differ. Ontario’s stability reflects its broad economic base and established immigrant networks. British Columbia and Alberta continue to attract movers due to job opportunities and wage growth. What sets Quebec apart is consistency. The steady improvement in Quebec immigrant retention indicates progress across multiple settlement factors rather than reliance on a single advantage. This balanced approach supports sustainable growth and long term population stability.

What This Means for Newcomers

For immigrants planning their future in Canada, retention trends offer valuable insight. High Quebec immigrant retention suggests that newcomers who arrive in the province are finding what they need to settle successfully. Employment access, community integration, and manageable living costs all contribute to this outcome. Choosing a province is no longer only about where opportunities exist today. It is about where a stable life can be built over time. Quebec’s latest results send a clear signal to prospective immigrants evaluating their options.

What This Means for Canada’s Immigration Strategy

From a national perspective, stronger retention supports infrastructure planning, service delivery, and labour market balance. When immigrants remain in their intended province, governments can better align housing, education, healthcare, and employment policies. Quebec’s results show how coordinated settlement planning leads to positive outcomes. As Canada continues to refine its immigration approach, Quebec immigrant retention offers a model worth watching.

Quebec’s rise to the top in first year newcomer retention marks a meaningful shift in Canada’s immigration landscape. With a 91.5 percent retention rate and a growing net gain of immigrants, the province has demonstrated its ability to support long term settlement.

As interprovincial mobility remains elevated, Quebec’s performance highlights the value of strong settlement foundations. For newcomers seeking stability and opportunity, Quebec continues to stand out. To stay informed about Quebec immigrant retention trends, provincial settlement outcomes, and Canada immigration updates, follow ImmigCanada.