A fresh Gallup survey reveals that 40 per cent of American women aged 15–44 say they would leave the United States permanently if they could—and Canada tops their wish-list. Published on 14 November 2025, the poll shows an 11-per-cent preference for Canada, ahead of New Zealand, Italy and Japan.
The gender gap is striking: only 19 per cent of men in the same age group expressed a desire to move abroad. Analysts link the surge in female migration aspirations to reproductive-rights rollbacks, partisan polarization and declining confidence in U.S. institutions.
![Gallup Poll: Record Share of Young U.S. Women Want to Relocate—Most Pick Canada]()
For Canada, the findings are a reminder that its brand as a socially progressive, economically stable country continues to resonate, especially with educated, mobile talent. Immigration lawyers report a spike in exploratory consultations from U.S. professionals following the latest U.S. election cycle.
Companies operating on both sides of the border can leverage the trend by highlighting intra-company transfer pathways (ICTs) and the Global Talent Stream, which offers two-week work-permit processing for specialized roles. However, HR teams should prepare for intensified competition for housing in major cities if even a fraction of the “intenders” actually migrate.
Gallup cautions that stated desire doesn’t always translate into action, but historical data suggest that a sustained 20-point rise in migration intent often precedes a measurable uptick in visa applications within 18 months.
The gender gap is striking: only 19 per cent of men in the same age group expressed a desire to move abroad. Analysts link the surge in female migration aspirations to reproductive-rights rollbacks, partisan polarization and declining confidence in U.S. institutions.
For Canada, the findings are a reminder that its brand as a socially progressive, economically stable country continues to resonate, especially with educated, mobile talent. Immigration lawyers report a spike in exploratory consultations from U.S. professionals following the latest U.S. election cycle.
Companies operating on both sides of the border can leverage the trend by highlighting intra-company transfer pathways (ICTs) and the Global Talent Stream, which offers two-week work-permit processing for specialized roles. However, HR teams should prepare for intensified competition for housing in major cities if even a fraction of the “intenders” actually migrate.
Gallup cautions that stated desire doesn’t always translate into action, but historical data suggest that a sustained 20-point rise in migration intent often precedes a measurable uptick in visa applications within 18 months.
