The keys to immigrant retention

Based on my analysis of a lot of data and some anecdotal evidence there are basically three (or four) things that drives up immigrant retention numbers (I suspect this applies to interprovincial migrants too):

1. Getting a job aligned with your skills and education level (doctors driving taxis has low retention).

2. Having family and friends already living here (family class immigration has very high retention).

3. Building relationships/networks in the community (church, kids love school, spouse making friends).

The four driver that I think is good for retention but don’t have great data – is attracting families versus lone individuals/professionals.  Families, I think, tend to put down roots easier and are less footloose than unattached individuals.

I’m sure there are others. The classic retention method was marriage (in my case) but almost all immigrants are now coming here without a connection like this.

So, as we look to retain newcomers in the community, everything we do should be run through these 3-4 filters. An immigrant working in a job below her skills level, with no extended family in the area and a weak or non-existent social network, is at high risk of outward migration. An immigrant working in a job aligned with skills and interests, with family and friends here, a church or mosque they attend, friends and kids that are happy in school, is far more likely to stay longer term in the community.