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Annual Income of Immigrants in Canada

Earnings of Immigrants in Canada: An Insight

Average Earnings of Immigrants in Canada
Average Earnings of Immigrants in Canada

Annual Income of Immigrants in Canada

The Canadian economy has long been enriched by immigration, and a new data visualization tool from Statistics Canada offers a closer look at the income levels of immigrants in the country.

According to the tool, which was launched on July 7, 2022, the average income for immigrants who have been living in Canada for more than 10 years stands at CAD $52,050. This figure is slightly higher than the average income for non-immigrants in 2021, which was CAD $51,400.

However, a deeper dive into the data reveals that the median employment income for immigrants in Canada in 2021 was CAD $36,800, a significant gap from the average income. This suggests that while some immigrants in Canada have achieved high levels of success, many others are still struggling to reach the same income levels as their non-immigrant counterparts.

The tool allows users to filter average and median income levels based on immigration status, educational qualifications, and other factors. It provides insights into the income of immigrants with different levels of education, from those with no certificate, diploma, or degree (CAD $27,400) to those with a bachelor's degree or higher (CAD $65,200). Immigrants with a post-secondary certificate or diploma below a bachelor's level earned an average of CAD $42,920 in 2021, while those with a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree earned CAD $56,800 on average.

The tool also highlights the impact of pre-landing Canadian work experience, age at landing, and official language proficiency on long-term earnings for immigrants. Immigrants who have pre-landing Canadian work experience tend to earn more, and younger immigrants earn 44% more than older ones, even 10-11 years after landing. Official language proficiency can also impact long-term earnings, although no specific ethnic or demographic group among immigrants with the highest income was identified in the available data.

It's important to note that immigrants in Canada generally earn about 18% less than native-born Canadians. This is due to limited access to higher-paying sectors and positions, although those with higher levels of education, strong English and/or French language skills, and Canadian work experience tend to fare better in the job market.

The data tool includes income that comes from salary, wages, tips, commissions, and self-employment from those aged 15 years and older. For non-permanent residents, including those on work or study permits, or those who have claimed refugee status, the average income in 2021 was CAD $32,080.

The latest reference year available for the tool is 2021, offering a snapshot of the income levels of immigrants in Canada at that time. As the tool continues to be updated, it will provide valuable insights into the economic well-being of immigrants in Canada and help inform policies aimed at promoting equality and opportunity for all.

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