Maple News reports that immigrants who arrived in Canada during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic saw stronger initial earnings than those who came before the pandemic. According to a new Statistics Canada report released on January 22, newcomers who landed in 2020 recorded the highest median entry wages among all immigrant cohorts from the previous decade.
Immigrant economic integration remains a key area of interest as Canada continues to study the long-term impacts of the pandemic. While 2020 arrivals faced travel and border restrictions, many were already in the country on temporary permits, which likely helped improve their early economic outcomes.
The report highlights that in 2021, a record-low number of 2020 newcomers filed taxes in Canada—attributed largely to COVID-19-related border closures. Yet, among those who did file, a significant 55.5% already had Canadian experience through previous work, study, or asylum status.
Breaking down the composition of these experienced newcomers: 22.5% previously held both work and study permits, 22.3% had work permits, 1.9% had only study permits, and 8.5% had submitted asylum claims. The presence of prior Canadian experience appears to be strongly linked with better labor market outcomes in their first year.
Statistics Canada revealed that the median entry wage for new immigrants who arrived in 2020 was $37,700, the highest level recorded in the last 10 years. This suggests that pre-admission experience, particularly work experience in Canada, plays a crucial role in improving economic integration.
Maple News notes that the pandemic may have inadvertently shifted Canada’s immigration landscape by necessitating more transitions from temporary to permanent residency. This has resulted in a newcomer population that is better equipped to join the Canadian workforce immediately upon arrival.
These figures also underline the importance of immigration pathways that allow international students, temporary foreign workers, and asylum seekers to gain experience and later become permanent residents. Not only does this approach support labor market needs, but it also boosts the long-term success of new Canadians.
As Canada continues to rely on immigration to bolster its labor force and drive economic growth, understanding these trends can help inform smarter policies for immigrant selection, integration, and support.