A new tool from Statistics Canada is shedding light on the earnings of immigrants across the country, offering a clearer picture of how immigration status and time spent in Canada influence income levels.
Launched on July 7, this interactive data visualizer enables users to examine both average and median employment incomes by categories such as immigration status, year of admission, and more. The most recent data available is from 2021, capturing a detailed snapshot of immigrant earnings during that year.
According to the tool, immigrants earned an average income of CAD $49,160 in 2021. This income includes wages, salaries, tips, commissions, and amounts from self-employment for individuals aged 15 and older. In contrast, the median income among immigrants stood at $36,800—a figure that divides the population into two equal halves, with 50% earning above and 50% earning below.
When breaking down income by immigration status, non-permanent residents—such as those on work or study permits or seeking asylum—had the lowest average income at $32,080. Immigrants who arrived in Canada within the last 10 years averaged $42,320, while those who had been in the country for over a decade earned a higher average salary of $52,050.
These findings allow for a direct comparison with non-immigrants, who reported an average income of $51,400 in 2021. While recent immigrants typically earn less than their Canadian-born counterparts, income levels tend to improve with time spent in Canada, suggesting positive long-term integration into the labor market.
The tool is part of Statistics Canada’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and inform public policy. For immigrants, policymakers, and employers alike, this resource offers quantifiable insights into the economic contributions and challenges faced by newcomers.
As analyzed by Maple News, the data reinforces a common trend: while newcomers face initial income barriers, over time, their earnings tend to converge with those of the general population—highlighting the importance of long-term support programs in tracking integration success.