Maple News reports that interest in immigrating to Canada surged between April and August 2020, highlighting the country’s growing appeal even amid a global health crisis. According to a new report by World Education Services (WES), nearly 28,000 survey responses revealed a noticeable rise in positive immigration intentions during this period.
WES, a prominent credential evaluation organization, surveyed individuals who submitted evaluation applications between January 2019 and July 2020. Its findings show a marked increase in immigration interest during the early to mid-months of the pandemic, particularly as economic optimism in home countries declined.
Key findings from the WES survey include:
– A growing number of respondents (46%) indicated increased interest in moving to Canada by August, up from 38% in April.
– Those considering delaying immigration plans declined significantly.
– A majority of respondents—80%—believed economic conditions in their home countries would worsen, compared to only 56% who expected similar conditions in Canada.
These results align with earlier WES surveys conducted in April and June 2020. The most recent findings, based on stratified random sampling from August 17 to 26, offer fresh insight into the motivations of prospective immigrants during uncertain times.
Respondents were predominantly from India (46%), followed by Nigeria (17%), and smaller shares from the Philippines, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Bangladesh. The remaining 25% were from various countries around the world.
Concerns about employment prospects also played a key role in shaping immigration interest. While 60% anticipated a negative impact of COVID-19 on job availability in their own country by August—up from 47% in April—fewer respondents (44%) expected Canada’s job market to be similarly affected.
The data indicate that many international professionals view Canada not only as a safe haven but also as a more economically stable and promising destination amid ongoing uncertainties. Canada’s consistent immigration-friendly policies and transparent pathways likely contribute to this resilience in appeal.
As global conditions continue to evolve, Canada remains a top choice for individuals seeking safety, opportunity, and economic stability. Maple News will continue to monitor how these trends unfold in the post-pandemic reality.