Ever wondered how much money immigrants actually make in Canada? A new tool from Statistics Canada gives us a better picture of this. It shows how much immigrants earn, based on when they came to Canada, their education level, and other important factors.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Average Income for Immigrants in Canada
In 2021, immigrants in Canada earned an average of CAD $49,160 in employment income. This includes wages, tips, salaries, commissions, and self-employment income. The median income, which is the middle point where half earn more, and half earn less, was $36,800.
So, while the average is close to $49,000, many immigrants earned less than that.
How Immigration Status Affects Income
The tool also shows how income changes based on immigration status and how long someone has lived in Canada.
Here’s a quick look:
| Immigration Status | Average Income (2021) |
| Non-permanent residents (work/study permits, refugee claimants) | $32,080 |
| Immigrants in Canada less than 10 years | $42,320 |
| Immigrants in Canada more than 10 years | $52,050 |
| Canadian-born (for comparison) | $51,400 |
As you can see, immigrants who have been in Canada longer tend to earn more. Over time, experience and stability seem to pay off.
