Maple News reports that children who immigrate to Canada are defying early-life economic disadvantages to excel in the country’s education system and labour market. According to a recent Statistics Canada study, these immigrant youth are not only more likely to pursue post-secondary education, but also tend to earn higher wages in adulthood compared to their Canadian-born peers.
The study analyzed 2018 tax data and focused on individuals who arrived in Canada before the age of 15. Among them, about 70% were enrolled in post-secondary institutions by the age of 20, significantly higher than the 56% enrollment rate seen in the overall Canadian population. Young women who immigrated as children are leading this trend in education attainment.
Despite being twice as likely to grow up in low-income households, immigrant children are making meaningful strides in upward mobility. By age 25, they earn an average of $30,300 annually—around 2% more than the $29,700 median seen in the broader population. The trend becomes more striking at age 30, with former child immigrants earning a median salary of $47,400, noticeably higher than the $41,800 median among all Canadian 30-year-olds.
Delving deeper into immigration classes, the children of economic-class immigrants showed the most impressive outcomes. These families, selected based on their skills, education, work experience, and language abilities, tend to provide an environment that fosters academic and career success for their children. This was reflected in both higher rates of post-secondary participation and earnings.
Interestingly, during their late teens and early twenties, the children of family-sponsored immigrants and refugees often earned more than their economic-class peers. This apparent lead was due to their increased participation in the workforce rather than in post-secondary education. However, this flipped by age 24—when most economic-class offspring had completed their studies and began outperforming their peers in the workforce.
By age 30, those who arrived in Canada through the economic class earned a median income of $52,400 annually. In comparison, refugee-class children earned $41,600, and those from the family-sponsorship category earned around $40,100—both just under the national median.
The report highlights Canada’s strong focus on admitting economic-class immigrants who are poised to thrive in the country’s job market. This strategic selection not only benefits the individuals themselves but also appears to provide lasting advantages for the next generation.
These findings underscore the long-term value of Canada’s immigration policies and the resilience of immigrant families. Children of newcomers are not only catching up to their Canadian-born peers—they are often moving ahead.