According to Maple News, newcomers who immigrate to Canada through Express Entry-managed programs are achieving strong economic outcomes—surpassing the median employment income of Canadian-born workers within just a few years of arrival.
This insight comes from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) newly published 2023 Year-End Express Entry Report, which analyzed income data for candidates admitted between 2016 and 2021. The findings reveal that not only do Express Entry candidates experience significant income growth over time, but their median earnings soon exceed those of native-born Canadians.
For instance, immigrants accepted via Express Entry in 2016 reported a median income of $58,400 in their first full year (2017), which steadily climbed to $76,800 by 2021. Similarly, those admitted in 2018 began with a median income of $55,200, which rose impressively to $70,800 after three years. In contrast, the median earnings for Canadian-born workers over the same period remained relatively flat—starting at $38,006 in 2017 and marginally increasing to $40,870 in 2021.
The success of Express Entry immigrants is largely attributed to the structure of the program itself. Designed to prioritize high-skilled individuals, Express Entry assesses candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This points-based system rewards attributes such as education, skilled work experience, language proficiency, and age—factors that align with Canada’s labour market needs.
IRCC continues to adapt the Express Entry system to better target labour shortages. In 2023, the department introduced category-based selection rounds, which focus on inviting candidates with specific qualifications or work experience in high-demand sectors, rather than solely relying on top CRS scores. While it’s too early for official earnings data on these newer entrants, expectations remain high based on the program’s track record.
Overall, Maple News reports that Express Entry continues to prove itself as a powerful pathway for economic integration, enabling skilled newcomers to thrive quickly in Canada’s labour market and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.