Highest Retention Rates for Work Permit Holders Who Become Permanent Residents in Canada
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Industries with Highest Retention Rates
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Utilities
- Finance and Insurance
- Public Administration
- Transportation and Warehousing
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Industries with Lowest Retention Rates
- Management of Companies and Enterprises
- Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing
- Other Services
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
- Why Retention Rates Matter
- Factors Behind Workers Changing Industries
- Overall Retention Rate
- How the Work Permit Program Affects Retention
- Study Methodology
Introduction
A recent study by Statistics Canada has revealed which industries see the highest retention rates among temporary foreign workers (TFWs) who transition to permanent residents (PRs). The data highlights the varying levels of retention across different sectors, offering valuable insights for both employers and policymakers.
Industries with Highest Retention Rates
The healthcare and social assistance sectors have emerged as the top industry with the highest retention rate of temporary foreign workers who later obtain permanent residency. Here’s a breakdown of the industries with the highest retention rates from 2011-2015:
| Industry | Percentage of workers who remained in the industry 1 year after receiving PR | Percentage of workers who remained in the industry 5 years after receiving PR |
| Healthcare and Social Assistance | 81.4% | 64.9% |
| Utilities | 80.3% | 58% |
| Finance and Insurance | 77.1% | 55.2% |
| Public Administration | 72% | 51.2% |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 70.4% | 49% |
| Manufacturing | 74% | 48.9% |
| Construction | 70% | 47.3% |
Industries with Lowest Retention Rates
On the other hand, some industries exhibit significantly lower retention rates. Here’s a snapshot of the sectors where TFWs tend to move out after gaining PR:
| Industry | Percentage of workers who remained in the industry 1 year after receiving PR | Percentage of workers who remained in the industry 5 years after receiving PR |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 36.7% | 8.7% |
| Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing | 46.2% | 19.4% |
| Other Services | 45.5% | 20% |
| Administrative and Support Services | 54.3% | 21% |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting | 52.8% | 24.1% |
Why Retention Rates Matter
Retention rates are critical for industries facing labor shortages. When temporary foreign workers transition smoothly into permanent residency and stay in their industry, it helps alleviate the labor market gaps.
This not only benefits sectors but also ensures efficiency as businesses avoid the costs of retraining employees frequently.
Factors Behind Workers Changing Industries
Various factors influence why workers change industries, including:
- Wage Levels: Higher wages may be offered in different industries.
- Working Conditions: Better work-life balance or improved conditions elsewhere.
- Job Stability: A more secure job in another sector can lead to industry shifts.
- Specific Skill Requirements: Workers may seek sectors that match their long-term career goals and qualifications.
Overall Retention Rate
Across all industries, the overall retention rate for TFWs after becoming permanent residents stands at 68.4% after one year. This number drops to 43% after five years. These numbers suggest that while many workers stay in their industry post-PR, a substantial portion moves out over time.
How the Work Permit Program Affects Retention
Retention rates also vary based on the type of work permit a foreign worker holds. Higher-skilled programs show better retention, while lower-skilled programs have lower long-term retention. For example:
- Higher-skilled Temporary Foreign Worker Program participants: 53.4% retention rate.
- Intra-company transferees: 51.4% retention rate.
- Live-in Caregiver Program participants: 28.6% retention rate after five years.
This indicates that workers coming through specialized programs tend to remain in their industries for longer periods.
Study Methodology
The study, conducted by Statistics Canada, focused on temporary foreign workers who held paid employment as work permit holders and later made the transition to permanent residency between 2011-2015. The analysis tracked the movements of these workers, noting whether they shifted to another industry, became self-employed, were unemployed, or were no longer appearing in tax records.
Conclusion
Understanding the retention rates of temporary foreign workers transitioning to permanent residency provides valuable insights into the needs of Canada’s labor market. It also helps businesses tailor their recruitment and training strategies to ensure they retain skilled workers in essential industries, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more stable economy.
For more detailed information or to schedule a free work permit consultation, contact CAD Immigration today.
