Blog post

At Beacon Hill Wealth Management, we’re always keeping an eye on trends that could impact our clients’ financial planning and future opportunities. A fascinating new report from Statistics Canada, released on March 26, 2025, sheds light on an evolving migration pattern: the increasing number of non-Americans—specifically U.S. non-citizen residents—relocating to Canada. Titled “Recent trends in migration flows from the United States to Canada” by Feng Hou and Max Stick, this study offers valuable insights into how global mobility is shifting and what it might mean for Canada’s economic and demographic landscape.

Who Are These Non-American Migrants?

The report defines U.S. non-citizen residents as individuals living in the United States without U.S. citizenship—think temporary workers on H-1B visas, international students, or other visa holders—who then obtain permanent residency in Canada. Historically, migration from the U.S. to Canada was dominated by American-born citizens. However, the data reveals a striking shift: since the early 2010s, the proportion of U.S. non-citizen residents among new Canadian permanent residents has surged, hitting 45% in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global movement.

Why the Increase?

What’s driving this trend? The report points to a mix of push and pull factors. On the push side, restrictive U.S. immigration policies—such as visa caps, delays in employment-based green cards, and heightened deportation risks—have made it tougher for non-citizens to secure long-term stability in the U.S. This was especially evident during the 45th U.S. presidential administration (2017–2021), when the number of U.S. non-citizen residents moving to Canada quadrupled from 2,100 in 2016 to 9,310 in 2019.

On the pull side, Canada’s immigration policies have become increasingly attractive. Programs like Express Entry, designed for skilled workers, and targeted initiatives for professionals in fields like healthcare and technology, have made Canada a beacon for high-skilled talent. In 2019, a whopping 92% of these U.S. non-citizen residents were admitted through Canada’s economic class, with 89% of economic principal applicants holding graduate degrees—far outpacing the educational attainment of U.S. citizen migrants.

A Shift in Migration Dynamics

The report also highlights how the profile of U.S.-to-Canada migrants has changed over decades. Back in the 1980s, nearly all immigrants from the U.S. were American citizens, mostly born and raised there. Fast forward to today, and the majority are either U.S. non-citizen residents or U.S. citizens who were already living in Canada as temporary residents before gaining permanent status. This shift reflects Canada’s growing role as a destination for global talent, not just a haven for Americans seeking a change of scenery.

Interestingly, the data shows no consistent link between U.S. presidential administrations and overall migration numbers from the 1980s to mid-2000s. However, since the mid-2000s, specific groups—like U.S. non-citizen residents—have responded to political and policy shifts. For instance, their numbers dropped by 20% in the first three years of the 46th administration (2021–2025) compared to the same period under the 45th, despite a 38% rise in Canada’s overall immigration during that time.

What This Means for Canada

The arrival of highly educated, skilled non-Americans highlights an important development for Canada’s economy. These migrants bring valuable expertise and innovation, helping to address shortages in the labour market and supporting Canada’s capacity for sustained economic growth. Statistics Canada’s report underscores how this shift reflects Canada’s growing reputation as a destination for global talent, a factor that may have broader implications for areas like real estate markets and investment landscapes.

Looking Ahead

As the political and economic landscape in the U.S. continues to evolve, this report suggests that Canada could see more U.S. non-citizen residents and even returning Canadians crossing the border in the coming years. For our clients, this underscores the importance of staying informed about demographic shifts that might affect financial planning, whether it’s housing demand, tax implications, or workforce trends.

For a deeper dive into the data and analysis, check out the full report from Statistics Canada: Recent trends in migration flows from the United States to Canada.