Newcomer Retention in Atlantic Canada

Year of Publication: 2024

Author: Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA)

Publication Source: Atlantic Immigration Spotlight on Data

Category: ,

DOI: https://araisa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Spotlight-on-Data-03-Retention-EN.pdf

Language: English

In comparison to the rest of Canada, immigrant retention is low across the Atlantic region. However, retention rates vary for newcomer populations. While the five-year regional retention rate is less than half (44%) for economic immigrants, it is much higher (79%) for refugees. Investing in programs to support the integration of those who arrive as refugees may have long-term benefits for growth in the Atlantic region. Moreover, the fact that most out-migrants leave Atlantic Canada suggests that retention is a regional rather than provincial issue.