Canada recently unveiled updates on its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) immigration and inter-provincial migration. Amidst the wealth of information in these releases, a prominent theme emerges: the opportunity for newcomers to leverage this data in deciding where to settle in Canada.
Key insights for newcomers include:
- Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs attract a higher percentage of workers in technical occupations, notably in Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.
- The PNP has spurred a growing number of newcomers to settle outside of Ontario, leading to significant immigration increases in the Prairie and Atlantic provinces.
- Alberta has become a magnet for residents within Canada, a trend observed since 2022 and persisting two years later, underscoring the province’s allure.
- Conversely, residents are migrating out of Ontario and British Columbia, signaling shifts in internal migration patterns.
Recent Trends in Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have become increasingly significant in shaping economic immigration to Canada, constituting 40% of such immigration in 2023. This trend is expected to persist in 2024 and beyond, highlighting the pivotal role of PNPs in the country’s immigration landscape.
The Evolution of PNP Selection
Historically, the Federal Skilled Worker Program dominated economic immigration to Canada, comprising 79% of such immigrants in 2000. However, there has been a notable shift towards provincial-level selection over the past two decades, with PNPs now assuming a prominent role.
Destination Preferences of PNP Immigrants
The proliferation of PNPs has diversified the destination choices for immigrants, reducing Ontario’s relative share. For instance, Manitoba and Saskatchewan witness over 80% of their economic immigrants arriving through PNPs, while Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Alberta receive nearly 50% of their economic immigrants via PNPs. In contrast, Ontario’s PNP intake hovers around 10%.
Key Trends in PNP Nominations
PNP nomination patterns reveal distinct preferences among provinces:
- Preference for Newcomers with Prior Canadian Work Experience:
Provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta, and British Columbia show a penchant for nominating individuals with prior work experience in Canada, often gained as temporary foreign workers. Approximately 80% of nominees in these provinces possess prior Canadian work experience.
- Options for Newcomers without Prior Canadian Work Experience:
Conversely, provinces like Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick demonstrate a higher inclination towards selecting nominees from applicants residing outside of Canada. In these provinces, only a minority—ranging from 28% to 37%—of nominees had previously held temporary resident status in Canada.
Utilization of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs by International Students
A significant portion of provincial nominees in various Canadian provinces comprises international students. According to 2021 data, more than 50% of provincial nominees in Prince Edward Island, Ontario, and Manitoba were international students, while the figure exceeded 40% in British Columbia and Nova Scotia.
Migration Patterns of Younger Newcomers
Recent years have witnessed a surge in the influx of younger newcomers to Canada through the PNP. Typically, individuals who immigrate to Canada at a younger age tend to achieve better economic outcomes than those who arrive later in life. These younger newcomers are choosing to settle primarily in provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. In 2019, approximately half of the provincial nominees in these provinces fell within the age bracket of 20-29.
Attraction of Skilled and Technical Workers
The introduction of PNPs has resulted in the dispersion of newcomers to diverse locations across Canada. Notably, certain provinces are emerging as magnets for skilled and technical workers through their PNPs. Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta are among the provinces attracting and nominating higher numbers of skilled professionals and technical workers.
Manitoba’s Appeal to Lower-Skilled Provincial Nominees
In Manitoba, individuals employed in occupations classified at NOC skill levels C or D constitute a higher proportion of provincial nominees compared to professionals and skilled/technical workers.
Preferred Provinces for Newcomers in Professional Occupations
Certain provinces, including British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, attract a larger share of provincial nominees occupying professional and managerial positions.
Insights into Inter-Provincial Migration
Inter-provincial migration in Canada is currently at a peak. In 2023, approximately 333,000 Canadians relocated to different provinces or territories, marking the second-highest level of inter-provincial migration since the 1990s.
Alberta emerges as the top destination for interprovincial migrants, with its population of such migrants steadily increasing since 2022. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island also experience heightened rates of interprovincial migration.
Conversely, Ontario witnessed the largest outflow of residents to other provinces in both 2022 and 2023. Similarly, British Columbia saw a notable increase in residents leaving the province in 2023, resulting in a net negative interprovincial migration rate for the first time since 2012, with many residents relocating to Alberta.
Factors Behind Interprovincial Migration in Canada
Interprovincial migration in Canada is influenced by various factors, although official statistics often do not delve into the specific motivations behind individuals’ moves. Typically, such migration is driven by economic opportunities, job prospects, and lifestyle preferences.
Alberta’s Appeal and Potential Challenges
Alberta stands out for its relatively affordable housing and absence of provincial sales tax, leading to lower costs of goods and services. Despite lacking the outdoor allure associated with British Columbia, Alberta boasts ample access to nature. The province actively promoted itself as a destination for Canadians through initiatives like the renowned “Alberta is Calling” campaign in 2022. However, Alberta currently grapples with a higher-than-average unemployment rate, which may temper this migration trend unless economic conditions improve.
Attraction to Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada is experiencing a surge in migration owing to its improving economic climate and relatively affordable living costs. Traditionally perceived as tranquil and appealing to an older demographic, the Atlantic provinces are witnessing a shift as interest grows among born-Canadians, long-term residents, and newcomers alike.
Crucial Advice for Newcomers: Planning Ahead
Selecting a province to settle in Canada is a decision with far-reaching implications, affecting everything from immigration pathways to economic outcomes. Therefore, thorough research and careful planning are imperative for newcomers aiming to thrive in Canada.
Related resource
Ford, Stephanie. “Choosing Where To Live In Canada: Key Stats from Canada’s PNP Newcomers Should Know.” Moving2Canada. Last modified March 28, 2024. https://moving2canada.com/news-and-features/features/immigration/choosing-where-to-live-in-canada-key-stats-from-canadas-pnp-newcomers-should-know/.
