Refugees are Good for Canada

Supporting Canada’s Economy

Seeking Employment

Refugees are employed at rates comparable to Canadian-born workers. Year over year, refugees’ employment consistently grows. For those that arrived in Canada before 2010, their unemployment rate is almost the same as that of Canadian-born citizens (10 per cent vs 8 per cent), a clear indication of successful integration.

Refugees have repeatedly shown initiative to earn a living, whether it be by starting small businesses or being self-employed. In both instances, refugees contribute to their communities by paying taxes, contributing to the workforce and providing vital goods and services.

Employment Earnings Grow

Refugee income grows steadily as individuals establish their roots and progress in their careers. While the initial years of resettlement involve significant transition, the data shows a clear and consistent upward trajectory in economic stability. In their first year after arriving in Canada, the median employment earnings for refugees are approximately $25,400. After a decade of participating in the workforce and integrating into their communities, these median earnings rise to $33,400: a significant increase of 31.5 per cent.

This steady growth highlights the resilience and determination of refugees as they build their lives from the ground up, moving toward the middle class and increasing their contributions to the Canadian economy.

Income Distribution

Joining the middle class, 40 per cent of refugees earn $40,000 or more annually. Refugees work hard to improve their financial standing. Many refugees progress from lower income brackets to higher ones – another testament to their growing economic prosperity and integration.

Building Canada’s Future

The skilled workforce Canada needs

Refugees bring the diverse expertise required to power Canada’s most essential industries. Refugees are more likely than Canadian-born citizens to work in healthcare, trades and manufacturing: roles that are not only in high demand but are also fundamental to the country’s infrastructure and daily life.

While the data categories are broad, a closer look at the National Occupation Classification** reveals that refugees are filling the “backbone” roles of our economy.

• Trades, transport and equipment operation:
  Refugees are vital to the sectors that build and move Canada. This group includes the construction trades building our homes and hospitals, mechanics maintaining our vehicles and the transport drivers and transit operators who keep our national supply chains and local communities moving.
• Manufacturing and utilities:
  Refugees are twice as likely as Canadian-born workers to be employed in these sectors, which together contribute approximately 11.5 per cent of Canada’s total GDP (9.5 per cent from manufacturing and 2 per cent from utilities). They serve as the machine operators in food processing, textile, wood production and as the equipment controllers within our
  power and water systems, ensuring that essential goods are produced and that our energy infrastructure remains stable.
• Healthcare and services:
  A higher percentage of refugees than Canadian-born citizens work in healthcare occupations, providing critical care in our hospitals and long-term care homes. Their presence in these fields, alongside their high participation in sales and service, highlights their willingness to step into roles with persistent labour shortages.

By providing the manpower and technical skills for these vital sectors, refugees do more than just integrate into the economy; they strengthen the very systems that support economic growth and community well-being for all Canadians.

Regarding health and trades in particular, the 2024-2033 Canadian government labour market projections identify a number of positions at risk of shortages. This includes in the area of nursing and health support services, positions which refugees like Tekle Mehari are helping to fill to support their community.

Working Age Population

Canada has an aging population. Most refugees come to Canada early in their lives – providing workforce and human capital for many years. A significant percentage of refugees are of working age, able and willing to help Canada’s labour market. This demographic advantage supports the country’s economic growth and sustainability.

Social contribution: refugees are invested in Canada’s future

Refugees contribute to the communities in which they live. Canadian communities thrive on a long history of volunteerism and civic participation. Refugees are a central part of this tradition; they don’t just live in their communities, they actively build them. This commitment is most visible in their high rates of citizenship and their dedication to service.

Contributing through community service and volunteerism

According to IRCC Newcomer Outcomes survey data, nearly one in three refugees said they participate in volunteer activities, providing essential support to the neighborhoods they call home.

This participation often happens in the areas where communities need it most:

• Faith groups and cultural associations:
  Many refugees take on leadership roles within religious organizations, where they coordinate community kitchens, manage clothing drives, or organize festivals that celebrate Canada’s multicultural identity.
• Youth and sporting activities:
  Refugee volunteers are frequently found on the sidelines as coaches and organizers. They use sports like soccer to help newcomer children build confidence and bridge cultural gaps, creating a sense of belonging for all youth.
• Schools and education:
  Contrary to the perception that language barriers prevent involvement, many refugees volunteer in schools as “cultural navigators.” They assist with parent-teacher events, help in classroom activities and provide informal translation for other newcomer families to ensure no child is left behind.

Citizenship

Making the decision to become a Canadian citizen is a very strong statement. It expresses a desire to contribute to this country and fulfill all duties citizenship requires. Citizenship rates for refugees are high – over 80 per cent after three years.

To become Canadian citizens, refugees must live in Canada for at least three years, pay a fee and pass a test on their knowledge of Canadian history, geography, economy, government laws and symbols, as well as file taxes and demonstrate English or French language skills.

Education

Education is a priority for refugees, with more than half earning a post-secondary certificate or higher. This equips them with the tools needed to contribute to Canada’s future. Refugees who arrive in Canada as children have post-secondary completion rates comparable to second and third generation Canadians. 

* A note about the data: This study uses the term refugee to describe persons: 1) who were admitted to Canada as permanent residents (landed immigrants) through one of Canada’s refugee resettlement programs; or 2) were recognized as refugees in Canada and were subsequently granted permanent resident status in Canada. The study surveys the most recent data and research available to provide a glimpse in the lives and achievements of the 1.5 million refugees who arrived in Canada since 1980. Much of the information is based on an analysis of the 2021 Census results. UNHCR is grateful for the assistance of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Research and Evaluation Branch and to Statistics Canada for providing the source data on which the study is based. This does not constitute an endorsement by these departments of this product.

** The occupational categories above come from the Canadian government’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021. The full list of occupations under each category can be found at: https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/Hierarchy