Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB)
Researchers: Yoko Yoshida1 and Jonathan Amoyaw2
Affiliation: Dalhousie University1 and the University of Saskatchewan2
Keywords: refugees, immigrants, Permanent Residents, Canada, socioeconomic and demographic information
What information can we draw from the longitudinal immigration database?
The IMDB holds information about immigrants who became Permanent Residents (PR) of Canada from 1980 onward. Information included in the landing records (Immigrant Landing File, or ILF) is linked with the tax files (T1 Family Files) in subsequent years after arrival (starting in 1982) as well as the Non-Permanent Resident Files (NRF). Combining the information from these administrative records, the IMDB provides detailed socioeconomic and demographic information about immigrants at the time of landing and afterwards. It also allows us to draw upon some information about the pre-landing histories of migrants using temporary permits and economic activities after arrival.
There are several ways the IMDB can be used to study refugee children, youth, and families, including:
For more details about the IMDb and the types of information that can be drawn from it, download the fact sheet below:
IMDB Interactive Application
Statistics Canada has developed an interactive tool that visualizes mobility and economic outcomes data derived from the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB). This interactive tool offers a simplified way to customize mobility and economic statistics.
IMDB Interactive Application: Mobility (click to visit)
IMDB Interactive Application: Economic Outcomes (click to visit)
How to use the app
In this short excerpt, CYRRC researcher Yoko Yoshida discusses how to use Statistics Canada’s interactive app to access data on the mobility of newcomers in Canada.
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