Research summary: Education & Employment of Immigrants in Canada
Title of the report: 2021 Census of Population: Education and Labour Market Profile of Immigrants in Canada
Author of the report: Federico Bettini
Alternate formats
Education & Employment of Immigrants in Canada [PDF - 280 KB]
Large print, braille, MP3 (audio), e-text and DAISY formats are available on demand by ordering online or calling 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). If you use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-926-9105.
Why this study
The research looks at the education and job status of immigrants in Canada compared to people born in Canada (non-immigrants).
What we did
Using data from the 2021 Census, this research looked at:
- the highest level of education that immigrants completed, and how it compares to non-immigrants
- how many immigrants had jobs or were unemployed, compared to non-immigrants, and
- how much immigrants earned from work, compared with non-immigrants
What we found
When looking at education, this research found that:
- immigrants in Canada were highly educated
- more immigrants had a university degree than non-immigrants, but fewer had a college or trades training
- immigrants who came to Canada after 2016 were more educated than those who came earlier
- more immigrants studied science, technology, engineering, or math than non-immigrants
- immigrants were more likely to get their university education outside of Canada
When looking at employment, this research found that:
- immigrants had lower employment and higher unemployment than non-immigrants
- Immigrants earned less money than non-immigrants across all levels of education, especially if they studied outside of Canada
- immigrants who had lived in Canada for more than 10 years earned more money than those who arrived recently
What it means
Even though many immigrants are highly educated, they face challenges in finding jobs or earning money. These findings may help the Government of Canada to support policies and programs that promote a skilled workforce by enhancing opportunities for immigrants.
Contact us
Learning Branch, Learning Policy & Services Directorate, Planning, Policy, and Partnerships Division
Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca