How Much Do Immigrants Make in Canada? Breaking Down the Real Numbers in 2025

The First Year in Canada: What Immigrants Earn When They Arrive

For newcomers, arriving in Canada is more than just a flight ticket and a new address it’s a leap of faith. But the first real test comes when it’s time to earn a living. So, how much do immigrants make in Canada? According to the latest 2025 data from Statistics Canada and the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the median entry wage for new immigrants what they earn one year after becoming permanent residents has reached $42,900, up from $40,200 in the previous year. This figure is rapidly closing in on the national median income of $45,380. While many assume immigrants earn far less than Canadian-born citizens, the numbers reveal a different story: economic-class immigrants (like those under the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Programs) often outperform others, with entry wages averaging $47,700 to $56,400. In contrast, business-class immigrants, family-sponsored dependents, and refugees begin with significantly lower incomes, ranging between $24,500 and $35,700. But even those starting on the lower end often experience substantial wage growth within a few years, proving that immigrant potential is not static it evolves with time, opportunity, and support.

What’s also striking is the difference made by having Canadian experience before landing. Immigrants who had a Canadian work permit before becoming permanent residents earned a median wage of $52,000, far higher than those who had no Canadian experience before arrival. On the other hand, those who came to Canada with just a study permit without transitioning into work had a significantly lower entry income of $17,400, highlighting the gap between credentials and real-world integration. Even asylum claimants, often perceived as the most vulnerable group, saw an impressive 20% increase in their first-year income, now averaging $31,000, thanks to better resettlement support and public policies aimed at faster labour market entry. These figures show that while the path may differ by category, the desire to contribute and the ability to rise is consistent across all immigrant groups. How much do immigrants make in Canada? How much do immigrants make in Canada? How much do immigrants make in Canada?

Income Growth Over Time: Immigrant Wages Surge After Five Years

The most powerful truth hidden behind the headlines is this: immigrant incomes in Canada don’t just plateau they rise. Immigrants who arrived in Canada a decade ago, particularly in 2012, have seen their wages soar by over 74.1%, growing from $25,900 to $45,100. That’s not just recovery that’s progress. And in some cases, it even outpaces native-born Canadians. Certain nationalities, like immigrants from Iran, experienced an even steeper rise, from just $15,600 in 2013 to a remarkable $49,400 by 2022. Other strong performers include immigrants from India ($44,900) and the Philippines ($46,800), while groups from Pakistan ($32,100) and China ($35,900), though growing steadily, still face challenges related to underemployment and foreign credential recognition. How much do immigrants make in Canada? How much do immigrants make in Canada?

This wage growth isn’t random it’s tied to a few critical factors. First, immigrants who arrive through programs like the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program tend to have Canadian work experience and language proficiency, which gives them a head start in the local labour market. Second, those who settle in major economic centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary benefit from stronger job networks, cultural communities, and access to better-paying industries. Over time, the compounding effects of promotions, certifications, networking, and skill upgrades push immigrant earnings to levels that often rival, or exceed, the national average. Immigrants in high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, and logistics see the fastest income growth. But even in service or trades roles, upward mobility is evident.

There’s also a gender story unfolding behind the numbers. Immigrant women, long undervalued in the job market, are starting to close the wage gap more rapidly than their male counterparts. In 2022 alone, women saw a 13.2% jump in earnings, bringing the average female immigrant’s wage to $36,900, compared to men at $48,800. Over a decade, women’s earnings grew a whopping 93.4%, compared to 69.6% for men. These gains reflect growing equity efforts, better access to childcare, and an increase in highly educated women entering technical fields. Still, systemic barriers remain, especially for racialised women and caregivers who face added pressure from both labour market discrimination and domestic responsibilities. How much do immigrants make in Canada? How much do immigrants make in Canada? How much do immigrants make in Canada?

What This Means for Canada’s Economy and Future Immigrants. How much do immigrants make in Canada?

At a macro level, rising immigrant earnings aren’t just good for families they’re vital for Canada’s future. With over 500,000 immigrants expected annually in 2025–26, Canada is relying on newcomers to drive its labour force, fill skilled shortages, and fuel economic growth. As immigrant wages rise, the financial contributions to provincial economies through taxes, housing, and consumer spending expand in parallel. A recent report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer suggests that this wage growth could boost national productivity by 0.21 percentage points, a crucial gain in a slow-growth global economy. Immigrants now contribute significantly to national wage averages and GDP, reversing the old myth that immigration is a “burden.” On the contrary, it’s fast becoming Canada’s greatest competitive advantage. How much do immigrants make in Canada?

Still, the path forward isn’t equal for all. Refugees, family-sponsored adults, and older newcomers still struggle to reach wage parity, particularly if they lack language skills or face challenges in credential recognition. Provincial differences also matter: Ontario and B.C. offer stronger wage outcomes than Atlantic Canada or the Prairies. Furthermore, immigrants who settle in major cities often earn more, but they also face higher living costs, leaving their net savings lower despite higher salaries. That’s why the quality of income growth not just the number matters. Programs that support faster professional integration, mentorship, credential bridging, and English/French language training must be strengthened to ensure all newcomers can succeed, no matter where they land or which path they take. How much do immigrants make in Canada?

For new immigrants or those planning their journey to Canada, the message is both clear and encouraging: your income potential is real and rising. But it depends greatly on how you enter the country, what experience you bring, how quickly you adapt, and where you decide to live and work. At Prestige Law, we work with hundreds of immigrants every year to ensure their path is not just legal, but sustainable and financially strong. If you’re planning your move or are already in Canada and hoping to maximise your opportunity, consult with us to build a pathway that matches your career goals. The dream is no longer out of reach Canada is proving that hard work truly pays off, especially when supported by the right immigration How much do immigrants make in Canada? How much do immigrants make in Canada? How much do immigrants make in Canada?