Why The World Still Wants to Move to Canada

By Mata Press Service

Even as Canada tightens its immigration rules and trims entry targets, the country remains the number one place in the world that people dream of moving to, according to a new survey by international money transfer company Remitly.

The study, titled Where the World Wants to Move, analyzed millions of Google searches from 164 countries to find where people most want to relocate. Canada ranked first across 30 nations on every continent, reaffirming its enduring reputation as a country of safety, fairness, and opportunity, even as its doors begin to narrow.

In recent months, Canada’s once-open immigration system has become noticeably more restrictive. Ottawa has cut international student permits, capped temporary foreign workers, and signaled that overall immigration levels will fall over the next three years. Visa rejections have also increased, and asylum seekers face longer waits and stricter reviews.

Yet none of these shifts seem to have dampened the country’s global appeal.

“Canada ranks as the country people want to move to the most in our study, with the biggest reason being a better quality of life, followed by the Canadian lifestyle and better job opportunities,” said Remitly in releasing its findings.

The report said people are increasingly drawn to countries that offer “long-term security, stability and a better focus on wellbeing for themselves and their families.” For many, Canada still represents that ideal balance.

Remitly attributes Canada’s appeal to five major factors: safety, stability, economic opportunity, inclusiveness, accessibility, and community support.

The country’s strong institutions, low crime rates, and predictable governance continue to make it one of the safest destinations in the world. Its economic fundamentals, from low unemployment to high living standards, reinforce the perception of stability and prosperity.

While the cost of living has risen sharply in recent years, especially in major cities, Canada’s transparent pathways to permanent residency and citizenship still rank among the world’s most accessible.

Programs like Express Entry and provincial nominee streams remain visible and relatively straightforward compared to systems in the United States or Europe.

The report also highlights Canada’s multicultural identity as a defining strength.

“Canadians are famously friendly… in fact, they ranked among the world’s friendliest nations in our previous study,” Remitly noted. This reputation for warmth and openness plays a major role in how prospective migrants view the country.

Established diaspora networks, from Indian and Filipino communities to Middle Eastern, African, and Latin American enclaves, also help sustain the flow of newcomers. These networks offer crucial early support like housing leads, job contacts, and community belonging,  that few other nations can match.

At the city level, Vancouver emerged as one of the most desired urban destinations worldwide, topping relocation searches from 17 countries. Its combination of natural beauty, mild climate, and cultural diversity continues to make it a global magnet for migrants. Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary also ranked high, confirming that Canada’s allure stretches across regions and languages.

While Canada leads, the rest of the top five reflect a mix of lifestyle, climate, and economic appeal. Australia ranked second, followed by Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Half of the top ten destinations were in Europe — Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Germany — showing that quality of life and culture remain powerful migration motivators.

Remitly said the global data reveal a clear pattern: “People are looking for destinations that offer long-term security, stability and a better focus on wellbeing.” That sentiment cuts across borders and income levels, from young professionals in Asia and Africa to families in Latin America and Europe.

Despite its policy recalibrations, analysts say Canada’s image as a welcoming, stable, and opportunity-rich nation remains deeply rooted. The country’s multicultural ethos, strong social programs, and consistent political climate continue to distinguish it from rivals.

Even when Ottawa imposes limits, it rarely alters the perception that Canada is a place where hard work and talent are rewarded. “Dreams of moving abroad are often about finding a better life for yourself and your family,” the report concludes. “Right now, Canada is where the world dreams of that future the most.”

The findings come at a time when many newcomers in Canada are facing rising rents, shrinking job prospects, and slower pathways to permanent status. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has pledged to “rebalance” immigration to better align with housing supply and labour capacity.

While critics argue the cuts risk eroding Canada’s global advantage in attracting talent, the Remitly survey suggests the country’s symbolic power is far from fading. Around the world, the idea of a clean, safe and fair Canada continues to outshine the complications of living there.

For millions, Canada’s maple-leaf promise remains intact: a chance to start fresh in a country that still represents order in an increasingly unstable world.

As the report put it, “Canada continues to stand out because it offers the complete package… an economy that needs skilled workers, a reputation for fairness, and the promise of a better quality of life.”