A comprehensive study conducted by Statistics Canada reveals that immigrants who arrive in Canada during their childhood are more likely to achieve higher education levels and experience better economic outcomes compared to their peers who arrive later or are native-born Canadians.
The study, which utilized the extensive Longitudinal Immigrant Database, indicates a clear trend: the younger an immigrant arrives in Canada, the more likely they are to engage in post-secondary education. Specifically, 77.3% of immigrants who settled in Canada at the age of 4 were pursuing higher education by age 20. This participation rate gradually decreases with the age at arrival but still remains significantly higher than the Canadian average of 59.9%.
Economically, while younger immigrant arrivals initially earn less than their Canadian counterparts between ages 18-24, this trend reverses dramatically after age 25. By 30, these immigrants earn a median wage that is 17.6% higher than other Canadian tax filers of the same age.
The findings underscore the potential long-term benefits of admitting immigrants at a younger age, not only for the individuals themselves but also for the Canadian economy as a whole. This positive correlation between early arrival and subsequent success highlights the importance of policies that support the integration of young immigrants into the educational system and workforce.
This data contributes to a growing body of evidence suggesting that early childhood immigration can significantly enhance educational and economic outcomes. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying factors that contribute to these improved trajectories.