The number of Americans admitted to Canada last year reached a 30-year high, with a 20 per cent increase over the previous year and nearly double the number that arrived in 2000.

The results of a survey, conducted by the Association for Canadian Studies, also revealed that the so-called "brain drain" of Canada appears to be narrowing.

The survey found that 10,942 Americans came to Canada in 2006, compared to just over 9,262 in 2005. In 2000, 5,828 came to the country.

While twice as many Canadians went to the States than Americans came to Canada, that ratio diminished between 2005 and 2006.

In 2006, 23,913 Canadians went to the U.S., resulting in a net loss of 12,971 to Canada when compared to the Americans coming to Canada.

But in 2005, the net loss to Canada was 14,668.

"When looking at the differences over the past few years in the real numbers between the two countries, Canada is undoubtedly narrowing the brain drain," the study said.

The most educated immigrant group comes from the U.S, with nearly half possessing a bachelor's degree or higher, the study found.

Ontario was the most popular destination for Americans, followed by B.C. and Quebec.