Which nationalities want to move to Canada?

Mohanad Moetaz
Published: November 28, 2020

Since many of us are in lockdown, there has been a surge in Google searches for all sorts of search terms: “sourdough bread,” “yoga mats,” “how to make McDonald’s chicken nuggets,” and “how to immigrate to..." insert dream destination.

A new report suggests that the most popular destination where people are looking to move abroad is Canada. The new study by Remitly analyzed the search volume of phrases related to moving abroad and immigration in over 100 countries.

Canada topped the list with a whopping 29 countries who wish to immigrate to the North American nation. To put that into perspective, Japan held second place with just 13 countries.

Spain came in third, followed by Germany, Qatar and Australia. The United States was ninth.

Find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration

With over 100 immigration options, low unemployment rates and free universal healthcare, it is understandable that Canada is popular among those who wish to move abroad. After all, Canada is one of the most peaceful countries in the world as per the Global Peace Index, where Canada is ranked sixth.

So, which countries want to move to Canada?

Countries in Asia that are seemingly interested in moving to Canada include the following:

  • Azerbaijan
  • India
  • Pakistan
  • Qatar

It may come as no surprise that India is included on the list. Indian nationals make up around a quarter of all immigrants to Canada.

Between European countries, the most popular destination was Germany, with Canada second. The following countries are those that are most interested in moving to Canada:

  • Belgium
  • France
  • Ireland
  • United Kingdom

Among North American nations, there were eight countries showing interest in immigrating to Canada:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Dominican Republic
  • Grenada
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico

The continent that is most interested in moving to Canada was Africa, with a total of 13 countries. Find them below:

  • Botswana
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Madagascar
  • Mauritius
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • Seychelles
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Tunisia
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

How Remitly came up with the results

Remitly used Google search data to find out the monthly search volume, in every country in the world, of terms that would likely be used by those who wish to move abroad. For example, ‘move to [destination], ‘work in [destination] and live in [destination] were used. It is important to note that Remitly considered search data in all languages.

The most searched for destination was considered to be the most desired destination for that country.

Canada offers over 100 different immigration programs and has been inviting record levels of successful immigration candidates throughout the coronavirus pandemic to help its economic recovery following the pandemic.

Find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration

© 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
December 2024: State of the Express Entry pool
A group of people on the sky bridge located in Jasper, Alberta.
IRCC invites Express Entry candidates in first French-language draw of December
A picture of Montreal's Old Port on a sunny autumn day.
IRCC’s backlog shrinks for the first time in months
The Canadian flag against a bright blue sky
New immigration fees effective December 1
A woman with her laptop and calculator calculating her application fees to IRCC.
Top Stories
Are you eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner for Canadian immigration?
Report identifies occupations set for salary increases in Canada in 2025
How to prepare for your Canadian citizenship test
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Citizenship
How to prepare for your Canadian citizenship test
A young woman sits at a table with books and a laptop.
How can I apply for Canadian citizenship?
A picture of a girl holding two Canadian flags
Here’s what you can expect during your virtual citizenship ceremony in Canada
A woman in a red blazer smiles while sitting in front of a laptop.
What’s the difference between Canadian permanent residency and Canadian citizenship?
A person with a packed bag stands on a road with the Canadian flag in front of them.
Link copied to clipboard