Since 2024, the Canadian federal government has gradually tightened immigration and international student policies, including reducing overall permanent resident quotas and student visa numbers. As a result, the number of immigrants from mainland China and Hong Kong has continued to decline.
According to data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, before the significant tightening of quotas in 2023, nearly 32,000 new immigrants arrived from mainland China. This number dropped to nearly 30,000 in 2024 and further decreased to just over 18,300 in the first ten months of last year.
The decline in new immigrants from Hong Kong is even more pronounced. In 2023, there were approximately 7,500 new immigrants from Hong Kong, which fell to 3,510 in 2024. In the first ten months of last year, the number was only 270.
The topic was shared and discussed on the online forum "LIHKG." Some comments directly pointed out Canada's declining appeal, stating, "Canada is really the least attractive option now... Those who moved earlier have already settled in, with local jobs and life experience. Entering the market now is tough; unless you're retiring or so wealthy you don't need to work, Canada wouldn't be the choice." Others added, "Even those who had settled in face starting over if they get laid off," "Since 2024, they've been blocking people, and the so-called 'lifeboat' policies have become virtually meaningless," and "News reports say even skilled talent can't stay."
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