Maple News reports that newcomers who immigrate to Canada at a young age are more likely to achieve higher educational and economic success than their Canadian-born peers, according to recent findings from Statistics Canada.
The study, which analyzed data from the Longitudinal Immigrant Database, reveals that immigrants who arrived in Canada as children have a significantly higher rate of post-secondary education participation by age 20. For example, 77.3% of those who immigrated before age 5 pursued post-secondary education by age 20, compared to 69.9% of those who arrived between ages 5–9, and 61.3% for those who arrived between ages 10–14. In contrast, only 59.9% of all Canadian tax filers had enrolled in post-secondary education by the same age.
This trend not only highlights the strong educational outcomes of immigrant children but also signals a long-term economic advantage. While immigrants admitted as children initially earned slightly lower wages between ages 18 and 24 compared to other Canadian tax filers, they rapidly gained ground in later years. By age 25 and onwards, they matched or exceeded their peers’ earnings.
By the time they reached 30, this group of newcomers was earning, on average, 17.6% more than the typical Canadian tax filer of the same age group. These results suggest that early exposure to Canada’s education system and society helps immigrant children integrate more effectively and build strong economic foundations in adulthood.
This research not only emphasizes the transformative power of early immigration but also reinforces the value of Canada’s inclusive policies toward immigrant families. It suggests that access to the Canadian school system and early social integration fosters long-term success.
For immigrants already in Canada or considering a move, especially those with young children, this data offers reassurance: entering Canada earlier can pave the way for a brighter future.
Maple News will continue to track stories and research showcasing how newcomers are shaping Canada’s economic and social landscape.