A new interactive data tool from Statistics Canada is shedding light on the income levels of immigrants across the country, providing an in-depth look at how newcomers fare financially compared to non-immigrants.
Launched on July 7, the online tool allows users to filter detailed income metrics — including average and median earnings — based on immigration status, length of stay, and demographic characteristics. The information is based on 2021 data, which is the most recent year available.
According to Maple News, Statistics Canada’s figures reveal that immigrants had an average employment income of CAD $49,160 in 2021. Employment income includes wages, salaries, commissions, tips, and earnings from self-employment and applies to individuals aged 15 and older.
However, when looking at the median — which represents the midpoint where half of individuals earn more and half earn less — immigrant income was significantly lower, at $36,800. This suggests that a small number of high earners may be raising the average, while many immigrants earn less than this amount.
The tool also breaks down income levels by immigration status. Non-permanent residents (such as those on work permits, study visas, or refugee claimants) earned the lowest average income at $32,080. Immigrants who had arrived in Canada within the previous 10 years earned an average of $42,320, while those who had been in Canada for more than a decade earned $52,050 on average — slightly above the national non-immigrant average of $51,400.
These insights reinforce a well-documented trend observed in Canadian immigration research: the longer immigrants stay in the country, the better their economic outcomes become. This reflects the time it takes for language proficiency, educational recognition, professional networks, and labour market integration to improve.
While the average income for long-term immigrants is nearly on par with non-immigrants, the data highlights ongoing income gaps for newer arrivals and non-permanent residents. These findings hold valuable implications for employers, policymakers, and settlement organizations working to improve economic inclusion.
The Statistics Canada tool serves as a new resource for decision-makers and immigrants alike, offering clear, customized access to income data that informs both public policy and personal financial planning.
Maple News will continue reporting on stories that affect Canada’s immigrant and newcomer communities.