How Much Do Immigrants Earn in Canada?
New Statistics Canada Tool Reveals Income Insights for Immigrants and Non-Permanent Residents
Ottawa – July 7, 2025
A new interactive data visualization tool launched by Statistics Canada is providing fresh insight into the income levels of immigrants and temporary residents in Canada. Drawing on 2021 income data, the tool allows users to explore average and median employment earnings based on a wide range of personal and immigration-related factors.
The tool, accessible to the public, breaks down income information by immigration status, education level, and more, shedding light on how newcomers fare financially compared to non-immigrants.
Key Findings: Immigrants Earn Below National Average, But Experience Matters
In 2021, the average employment income for immigrants aged 15 and older was CAD $49,160. This figure includes wages, salaries, tips, commissions, and self-employment income.
However, the median employment income—a more representative measure of typical earnings—was lower at $36,800, meaning that half of immigrants earned less than this amount.
In contrast, non-immigrants in Canada had an average income of $51,400, highlighting a persistent income gap between immigrants and Canadian-born residents.
Earnings by Immigration Status: Time in Canada Matters
One of the clearest trends revealed by the data is that time spent in Canada significantly influences income.
| Immigration Status | Average Income (2021) |
|---|---|
| Non-permanent residents (e.g. on work/study permits, refugees) | $32,080 |
| Immigrants admitted in the last 10 years | $42,320 |
| Immigrants admitted more than 10 years ago | $52,050 |
The data suggests that newer immigrants tend to earn substantially less than those who have been in the country for over a decade—indicating a long-term integration effect where earnings improve over time.
Education: A Critical Factor in Immigrant Earnings
The Statistics Canada tool also illustrates the direct correlation between education level and income for immigrants.
| Educational Attainment | Average Income (2021) |
|---|---|
| No certificate, diploma, or degree | $27,400 |
| Secondary school diploma or equivalency | $32,920 |
| Post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree (any level) | $56,800 |
| Below bachelor level (college or trades) | $42,920 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | $65,200 |
Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher earned nearly 2.4 times more than those with no formal qualifications. This reinforces the importance of educational credentials in achieving economic success in Canada.
Beyond Education: Other Key Factors Impacting Immigrant Income
While education plays a major role, several other factors also impact how well immigrants fare in the Canadian job market:
1. Pre-Landing Canadian Work Experience
Immigrants who had Canadian job experience before gaining permanent residency tend to earn more than those who did not.
2. Age at the Time of Landing
Younger immigrants—especially those who arrived in their 20s or early 30s—tend to experience higher long-term earnings. In fact, data shows that younger immigrants earned 44% more than older ones even after 10 years in Canada.
3. Official Language Proficiency
Fluency in English or French significantly boosts earning potential. Immigrants with strong language skills integrate more easily into the workforce and are more likely to access high-paying jobs.
Income Disparities Highlight Need for Targeted Support
The findings underscore the need for policies that support faster economic integration, especially for recent arrivals and non-permanent residents. Access to language training, credential recognition, and employer-linked work opportunities could help close the gap.
This newly launched Statistics Canada tool is a powerful resource for immigrants, policymakers, researchers, and settlement agencies, offering a clearer picture of the economic landscape for newcomers to Canada.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
