New Data Shows More Immigrants Are Relocating Between Provinces in Their First Year in Canada

Newly released data highlights a growing trend among newcomers to Canada: more immigrants are moving to a different province within their first year after arrival, reflecting changing settlement decisions influenced by employment, housing, and community ties.

In 2023, approximately 13.5% of immigrants admitted the previous year relocated to another province or territory, an increase from just over 10% in 2022. The shift suggests that initial settlement plans are increasingly fluid as newcomers adapt to economic realities after arrival.

Why First-Year Mobility is Increasing

The first year in Canada is often a period of adjustment, during which immigrants reassess job prospects, cost of living, and long-term stability. While many newcomers initially settle where job offers or immigration pathways direct them, real-world conditions can prompt relocation.

Housing affordability remains a major factor. Rising rents and limited housing supply in some regions push newcomers to explore provinces with lower living costs or stronger employment alignment. Access to family networks and cultural communities also plays a significant role in relocation decisions.

Provincial Retention Patterns

Large provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta continue to retain the majority of newcomers after one year. These regions benefit from diversified labour markets, established settlement services, and larger immigrant communities.

In contrast, retention rates remain lower in Atlantic provinces and parts of the Prairies. Although Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador recorded modest improvements compared to earlier years, retention levels still trail national averages. Manitoba and Saskatchewan also experienced net losses of newcomers within the first year.

Longer-Term Mobility Trends

Five-year retention data shows different patterns depending on immigration category. Family-sponsored immigrants and refugees tend to remain in their intended province at higher rates, reflecting stronger social ties and settlement supports.

Economic immigrants, particularly those admitted through business or skilled worker programs, are more likely to relocate over time. Business immigrants show the lowest long-term retention, while provincial nominees also demonstrate increased mobility after admission.

Urban Centres and Regional Shifts

Most immigrants initially settle in major urban centres. However, data shows that many later relocate to nearby cities or regions offering more affordable housing and comparable job opportunities. For example, immigrants initially settling in Toronto often move to surrounding communities such as Hamilton or Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo.

At the same time, provinces like Ontario and Alberta continue to receive a net inflow of immigrants from other regions, reinforcing existing population growth patterns.

Implications For Provinces and Policymakers

Interprovincial migration affects housing demand, labour supply, and public services. Provinces experiencing net losses must adjust settlement strategies, while receiving provinces face increased pressure on infrastructure and social programs.

For policymakers, the data highlights the importance of retention strategies that go beyond initial attraction. Access to affordable housing, job matching, and community integration all influence whether newcomers stay.

Rising interprovincial mobility among immigrants reflects changing settlement realities in Canada. As newcomers seek affordability, opportunity, and stability, provinces will need flexible policies and targeted supports to attract and retain immigrants beyond their first year.