Maple News reports that global interest in immigrating to Canada has surged amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research by World Education Services (WES). Contrary to expectations, the health crisis is not deterring prospective immigrants—in fact, it appears to be strengthening Canada’s appeal as a destination for skilled workers and families seeking economic stability and quality of life.
In a survey conducted by WES in June, 45% of respondents said the pandemic had increased their interest in moving to Canada. This marks a rise from similar sentiments captured in April, suggesting that enthusiasm for relocating has grown as the global crisis unfolds. At the same time, only 6% indicated a decline in interest due to the pandemic.
WES, a leading provider of educational credential assessments for economic-class immigrants bound for Canada, says it is uniquely positioned to monitor immigration trends. With thousands of clients each week, the organization is seeing firsthand how Canada continues to attract talent, even during uncertain times.
A significant factor behind the uptick in interest is the perception that Canada is weathering the pandemic’s economic fallout better than other countries. While many nations have suffered deep economic recessions, Canada has shown signs of resilience—regaining 55% of the jobs lost to COVID-19 by July, according to Labour Force Survey data.
The survey also revealed that many respondents believed the pandemic’s economic impact would be less severe in Canada compared to their home countries. In June, 80% expected poor economic conditions in their own countries, versus 58% who held the same view about Canada—a noticeable gap that has grown since April.
Job security within specific industries also influenced perceptions. While 57% anticipated negative consequences for their sector in their home countries, only 43% expected the same downturn in Canada. This comparative optimism has likely strengthened Canada’s status as a desirable immigration destination.
As COVID-19 continues to reshape global migration patterns, Canada’s economic recovery and inclusive immigration policies appear to be reinforcing its image as a stable and welcoming country for newcomers.
These shifting attitudes could have long-term implications for Canada’s immigration landscape, potentially leading to higher numbers of skilled immigrants seeking permanent residence as global uncertainty persists.