For decades, Canada has been seen as a land of opportunity, particularly for those seeking a better life outside their home countries. For many in India’s Punjab province, the allure of Canada has been especially strong, fueled by stories of prosperity and a higher quality of life. Driving through Punjab, this ambition is palpable, with billboards advertising immigration services to Canada and English language coaching centers dotting the landscape. However, recent trends suggest that the “Canadian dream” might be losing some of its shine, leading to a noticeable increase in reverse migration – people choosing to leave Canada and return to their home countries, or move elsewhere. This article explores the reasons behind this shift and examines whether there are any travel warnings Canada right now, not in the traditional sense of safety advisories, but in terms of a cautionary tale for prospective immigrants.
Image alt text: Immigration consultancy billboard in Punjab, India, reflects the strong desire for Canadian visas.
The phenomenon of reverse migration is not entirely new, but recent data and anecdotal evidence suggest it’s becoming more prominent. Balkar, a 28-year-old from a small village in Punjab, is one such example. After spending a year in Toronto with the goal of obtaining Canadian citizenship, he returned home in early 2023. Like many others, his family invested heavily in his Canadian dream, mortgaging land to finance his education and living expenses. However, the reality he encountered was far from the dream.
“Everything was so expensive,” Balkar explains. “I had to work 50 hours every week after college, just to survive. High inflation is making many students leave their studies.” Balkar’s experience highlights a key factor driving reverse migration: the high cost of living in Canada, particularly in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Skyrocketing rents, expensive groceries, and other daily expenses are making it increasingly difficult for newcomers, especially students, to make ends meet. The need to work long hours just to cover basic expenses leaves little time for studies and a diminished quality of life, leading some to question if the struggle is worth it.
Back in Punjab, Balkar has started an embroidery business, leveraging online platforms like Instagram to reach customers. He now enjoys a comfortable life at home, supplementing his income by helping on his family farm. “I have a good life here,” he states. “Why should I face hardships there when I can live at home and make good money?” This sentiment is echoed by many other reverse migrants who have shared their stories, both privately and on public platforms like YouTube. These individuals often point to a disconnect between the idealized image of Canada presented by immigration agents and the harsh realities of immigrant life in the country.
Image alt text: Numerous immigration service agencies line a street in Punjab, showcasing the competitive market for Canadian immigration assistance.
Raj Karan Brar, an immigration agent in Bathinda, confirms a shift in attitudes. He notes that while the desire for Canadian citizenship remains strong, particularly among middle and lower-middle-class individuals, there’s a growing hesitancy, especially among wealthier migrants who have strong ties and options back home. Viral videos depicting the struggles of international students in Canada – difficulties finding jobs, housing shortages, and protests over limited opportunities – have contributed to this nervousness. This is reflected in a reported 40% decrease in study permit applications from India in the latter half of 2023, although this decline was also partly attributed to diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
Beyond economic factors, cultural and social considerations are also playing a role in the waning appeal of Canada for some. Karan Aulakh, who spent 15 years in Edmonton and achieved professional success, decided to return to his village in Punjab. He cites concerns about “LGBT-inclusive education policies” and the legalization of cannabis in Canada as factors in his decision. For some older migrants, a perceived incompatibility with the Western way of life, coupled with concerns about Canada’s struggling healthcare system and improving economic prospects in India, are prompting them to consider reverse migration.
Aulakh has even started an online consultancy, “Back to the Motherland,” to assist others looking to return to India. He reports receiving several calls daily from people in Canada seeking information about job opportunities in Punjab and the process of returning. This growing interest in reverse migration raises concerns for Canada, a nation that heavily relies on immigration to fuel its economy and address demographic challenges.
Image alt text: Karan Aulakh, a reverse migrant from Canada, now resides in his home village in Punjab, India.
Daniel Bernhard of the Institute of Canadian Citizenship points out that these trends are “concerning” for a country that values immigration so highly. Immigration has been a cornerstone of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s policies, aimed at boosting economic growth and counteracting an aging population. Statistics Canada reports that immigration accounted for 90% of Canada’s labor force growth and 75% of population growth in 2021. International students, a significant portion of whom are from India, contribute over C$20 billion annually to the Canadian economy. India was the leading source of immigration to Canada in 2022.
While the numbers of reverse migrants are still relatively small compared to overall immigration figures – Canada welcomes nearly half a million new migrants annually – the trend is noteworthy. The rate of reverse migration hit a two-decade high in 2019, suggesting a growing disillusionment among some immigrants. Official data indicates that between 80,000 and 90,000 immigrants left Canada in 2021 and 2022, with another 42,000 departing in the first half of 2023. Furthermore, fewer permanent residents are choosing to become Canadian citizens, a significant drop from 75% in 2001 to 45% two decades later. Bernhard argues that Canada needs to “restore the value of its citizenship” to maintain its attractiveness to immigrants.
Image alt text: Close up of immigration agencies competing for business on a street in Bathinda, Punjab.
These reverse migration trends are emerging as Canada grapples with the challenges of absorbing a rapidly growing population. A recent report from National Bank of Canada economists cautioned that population growth is straining housing supply and the healthcare system. Canada’s population surged by 1.2 million in 2023, largely driven by immigration. The report suggests slowing population growth to around 500,000 annually to maintain living standards. In response, the Canadian government has recently implemented a cap on international student permits, projecting a temporary 35% decrease in approvals. This policy shift, intended to alleviate pressure on resources, may inadvertently further diminish Canada’s appeal and potentially exacerbate the trend of reverse migration. While there are no specific “travel warnings Canada right now” issued by official bodies, the experiences and trends discussed here serve as a cautionary note for those considering immigrating to Canada. The Canadian dream, while still alive for many, requires a more realistic assessment of the challenges and a clear understanding that it may not be the promised land for everyone.
