Canada has earned a spot among the top five countries worldwide for immigrant-friendly policies, securing fourth place in the latest edition of the Migration Integration Policy Index (MIPEX). The ranking, based on 52 countries, evaluates how effectively governments support newcomers in becoming full members of society.
MIPEX, a globally recognized benchmark, assesses countries across key areas such as access to the labor market, education, political participation, permanent residence, health, and anti-discrimination measures. According to Maple News, Canada’s strong performance is attributed to continuous policy improvements and a long-standing commitment to multiculturalism.
Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), noted that MIPEX provides valuable insight into how inclusive Canada’s integration systems are. “It highlights both our progress and the areas where we can learn from other countries,” she said.
Canada’s overall ranking improved from sixth in 2015 to fourth in this latest report—thanks in part to expanded healthcare access for asylum seekers and enhancements to the 2017 Citizenship Act, which made the citizenship acquisition process more efficient and accessible.
Canada stands out globally for its anti-discrimination policies, earning a near-perfect score in this category. The country’s legal frameworks—especially those enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms—form the backbone of inclusive practices that protect newcomers from discrimination and support multicultural initiatives.
Nevertheless, some gaps remain. Canada was marked down for not allowing non-citizen residents, including permanent residents, to participate in political processes at either the local or national level. The lack of immigrant representation in policy-making bodies was also noted. However, the relatively straightforward and speedy path to citizenship helped offset this drawback.
Labour market mobility emerged as an area requiring the most attention. Temporary workers and undocumented migrants often face challenges in accessing stable employment and healthcare, limiting their overall integration. Similarly, the report called for improvement in pathways to permanent residence for temporary workers, describing the existing process as slow and frustrating.
Canada’s family reunification policies were labeled “favourable” but not without concern. While spouses and minor children generally face few obstacles, sponsoring adult children, parents, and grandparents remains more difficult compared to other top-ranked countries.
In education, Canada received high marks for multicultural and inclusive school environments. The country supports equity-focused policies and a safe atmosphere for immigrant children. However, the report suggests more diverse representation is needed in school curricula, among educators, and within universities.
Overall, Canada’s fourth-place ranking reflects a generally progressive immigration framework that continues to evolve. However, meaningful policy updates—particularly around political inclusion, temporary workers, and family reunification—could help Canada climb even higher in coming years.
Maple News will continue monitoring Canada’s efforts to make immigration policies more equitable and effective.