Last Updated On 19 June 2025, 4:35 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
For years, some have labelled Canadian citizenship as a mere stepping stone—a convenient way for immigrants to secure a powerful passport before leaving for better opportunities elsewhere.
However, a groundbreaking Statistics Canada report, released in May 2025, challenges this narrative.
The study, based on immigration and tax filing data, reveals that Canadian citizenship reflects a deep commitment to the country, with most naturalized immigrants staying long-term.
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The Statistics Canada report, titled An Analysis of Immigrants’ ‘Active Presence” in Canada, tracks individuals 10 years after their arrival.
“Active presence” refers to immigrants who file taxes in Canada, indicating they are likely still residing in the country or maintaining strong ties.
Here’s what the study found:
High Retention Rates: Among immigrants aged 25–54 who arrived between 2008 and 2012, 93% of those who became citizens were actively present in Canada a decade later, compared to 67% of non-citizens.
Improved Retention Over Time: Immigrants from the 2008–2012 cohort showed higher retention rates than those from 2003–2007 (91% for citizens, 58% for non-citizens), suggesting newer immigrants are more likely to stay.
Country of Origin Matters: Immigrants from developing nations, like the Philippines (97% active presence), were more likely to stay than those from developed countries, such as the U.S. or France (around 87%).
Education and Mobility: Highly educated immigrants and those who didn’t pursue citizenship were more likely to leave, reflecting global mobility among skilled individuals.
Citizenship as Commitment: The data debunks the idea of “Canadians of convenience,” showing that citizenship is a sign of long-term dedication to Canada.
Andrew Griffith, a Canadian citizenship expert, emphasizes, “The notion that people just grab a passport and leave is largely a myth. Citizenship reflects a deeper connection to Canada.”
Canadian citizenship offers more than just a passport.
It provides access to benefits like voting rights, social services, and the ability to travel freely with one of the world’s most respected passports.
However, the process to become a citizen is rigorous, requiring:
- At least three years of residency in Canada within the last five years.
- Proficiency in English or French.
- Passing a citizenship test.
- Taking an oath of allegiance.
These requirements ensure that those who become citizens are invested in Canada’s values and future.
The Statistics Canada report suggests these rules are effective, as most naturalized citizens remain in the country, contributing to its economy and society.
The report highlights key differences in who stays in Canada after gaining citizenship:
- Country of Origin:
- Immigrants from developing countries, such as the Philippines (97% active presence), Pakistan, and Colombia, showed higher retention rates.
- Those from developed nations, like the U.S., France, and the U.K., were more likely to leave (around 10% lower retention than Filipinos).
- Among non-citizens, retention varied less by country and more by other factors like education or immigration class.
- Education and Skills:
- Highly educated immigrants, especially those with graduate degrees, were less likely to stay if they didn’t pursue citizenship. This reflects their global mobility and access to opportunities elsewhere.
- Economic immigrants (selected for skills) also showed lower retention if they remained non-citizens.
- Time to Citizenship:
- Immigrants who took longer to become citizens were more likely to leave after naturalization, possibly due to weaker initial ties to Canada.
Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, notes, “Highly skilled immigrants have global options.
If Canada can’t offer a better life—affordable housing, career growth—they’ll take their talents elsewhere.”
The Myth of “Canadians of Convenience”
The phrase “Canadians of convenience” suggests immigrants exploit citizenship for benefits like a passport, then leave.
The Statistics Canada report challenges this stereotype:
Tax Filing as a Proxy: The study uses tax filings to measure “active presence.”
Since citizens gain access to benefits by filing taxes, it’s unlikely they’d stop after naturalization unless they left Canada.
High Retention Among Citizens: With 93% of naturalized immigrants still active after 10 years, the data shows most citizens stay committed.
Inactive Immigrants: Among those without tax records (likely indicating departure), only 28% had citizenship.
For example, 50% of inactive Iranian immigrants were citizens, compared to just 14% of inactive Americans.
These findings suggest citizenship is not a “grab-and-go” tool but a marker of long-term integration.
Challenges for Canada’s Future
While the report paints a positive picture, it also highlights challenges:
Declining Citizenship Uptake: Fewer immigrants are pursuing citizenship, possibly due to global mobility or dissatisfaction with opportunities in Canada.
Economic Pressures: Rising costs, especially for housing, make it harder for immigrants to build a stable life.
Bernhard warns, “If Canada can’t provide a better future, immigrants will leave.”
Retaining Talent: With highly educated immigrants being more mobile, Canada must compete globally to keep skilled workers.
Griffith suggests Canada’s citizenship policies strike a good balance but could be revisited to ensure they remain meaningful.
For example, debates continue about updating the citizenship oath or adjusting residency requirements.
What This Means for Immigrants and Canada
For immigrants, the report underscores that Canadian citizenship is a pathway to belonging, not just convenience.
It offers stability, rights, and a sense of community.
For Canada, retaining immigrants—especially skilled ones—is critical for economic growth and cultural diversity.
The government could consider:
- Streamlining citizenship processes to encourage uptake.
- Addressing affordability issues, like housing, to make staying in Canada more appealing.
- Promoting Canada’s unique benefits, such as safety, healthcare, and multiculturalism, to compete with global opportunities.
A New Perspective on Canadian Citizenship
The Statistics Canada report reshapes how we view Canadian citizenship.
Far from being a mere convenience, it’s a symbol of commitment for most immigrants who choose to stay and build lives in Canada.
While challenges like affordability and global competition persist, the data shows Canada’s citizenship policies are largely effective.
By addressing economic barriers and promoting its strengths, Canada can continue to be a welcoming home for immigrants who see it as more than just a passport.
Stay updated with INC News.
Who is more likely to stay in Canada after 10 years?
Naturalized citizens (93% active presence) and immigrants from developing countries, like the Philippines, are most likely to stay.
How hard is it to become a Canadian citizen?
Applicants need three years of residency in the last five, language proficiency, a citizenship test, and an oath of allegiance.
Why is citizenship uptake declining?
Factors include global mobility among skilled immigrants and challenges like high living costs in Canada.
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