Maple News reports a growing trend in global interest toward Canadian immigration, as the economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic reshapes migration decisions. According to a recent survey conducted by World Education Services (WES), nearly half of respondents indicated that the pandemic has heightened their desire to move to Canada.
WES, an organization that provides academic credential assessments for prospective immigrants, revealed that in June 2020, 45% of survey participants expressed increased interest in immigrating to Canada due to the pandemic. This marks a noticeable rise from similar survey results reported in April that same year. Only 6% reported a decline in interest.
The intention to delay migration also slightly decreased. In June, just 32% of those surveyed said they were considering postponing their plans, down from 35% in April. This shift suggests growing confidence in Canada’s handling of the crisis and its long-term prospects.
One of the dominant factors driving this trend appears to be relative economic stability. Although Canada, like most countries, was economically impacted by COVID-19, data from the Labour Force Survey showed that by July 2020, Canada had recovered 55% of jobs lost during the early months of the outbreak.
Respondents overwhelmingly viewed Canada’s economic outlook more favorably than that of their home countries. In June, only 58% expected a negative economic impact in Canada compared to 80% who anticipated downturns at home. This gap was even more significant than findings from the April survey, underscoring growing confidence in Canada’s resilience.
When asked about sector-specific impacts, 57% of respondents foresaw economic challenges in their professional fields back home, while only 43% predicted similar effects in Canada. This reinforces the perception of Canada as a more stable and promising destination despite global turbulence.
“This overall expectation of a less negative impact in Canada, both in the broader economy and within specific industries, helps explain why nearly half of respondents were more inclined to move to Canada due to COVID-19,” the WES report concluded.
These findings highlight Canada’s continued appeal as a top destination for skilled immigrants, even amid a global crisis. The country’s reputation for political stability, healthcare access, and economic recovery is clearly resonating with those seeking a better future abroad.