19 August, 2014

New Figures Highlight Immigrant Success

New information has been revealed that details how immigrants to Canada integrate into their new society. The facts and figures, which were obtained through the Access to Information Act, show an immigrant population that is among the most successful in the world.

Recent Arrivals

Individuals can become Canadian Permanent Residents through one of the country's 60-plus immigration programs. Once permanent residency is acquired, an immigrant is free to live and work anywhere in Canada.

The most economically successful newcomers generally arrive through Skilled Worker and Provincial Nominee programs. These programs grant permanent residency on the basis of applicants' potential to succeed in Canada's labour market. Factors such as work experience, language skills, and age are assessed.

Once in Canada, immigrants on average volunteer more hours and give bigger donations to charity than Canadian-born citizens. In every province, there are a number of organizations that are created by and for immigrants. These may be cultural (like the Chinese Canadian National Council), religious (like the Council of Sikh Organizations) or settlement-related (like the Immigrant Center Manitoba), to name just a few.

The Next Step - Canadian Citizenship

For many immigrants, the final step in their Canadian journey is applying for and receiving full Canadian citizenship. One difference between permanent residents and citizens is that only citizens are given the right to vote in Canada and to fully participate in the country's political process. In addition, only citizens can hold a Canadian passport or be exempted from the residency requirements that permanent residents must adhere to.

In 2006, 85.1% of eligible permanent residents went on to become Canadian citizens. This is almost double the rate of the United States. A full 91% of new permanent residents intended to eventually become citizens. Regardless of whether or not they are citizens, an overwhelming majority of immigrants (93%) express that they are proud to be Canadian and feel that they belong in Canada.

New citizens generally exercise their rights to participate in Canadian politics, with 80% of long-term citizens voting regularly in elections.

Second-Generation Immigrants

Many of the people who choose to immigrate to Canada do so to give their children a better life.

Children whose parents were born outside of Canada are more likely to earn degrees than those whose parents were born in Canada.

Once they enter the workforce, second-generation immigrants report 6-10% higher earnings than workers at the same point in their careers whose parents were born in Canada. Immigrant children are well represented in a variety of fields, and many have even gone on to significant national and international fame.

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