How immigration pathways shape economic success for highly qualified workers

A recent study from HEC Montreal reveals that the route immigrants take into Canada matters more than their qualifications alone. Workers arriving with closed permits typically earn higher incomes than other groups, while foreign students show the fastest wage growth once they enter the job market. The research, which surveyed 2,500 university-educated immigrants in 2025, found that the current points-based selection system does not always identify candidates who will perform best economically. Researchers suggest that while temporary-to-permanent pathways can work well for students, having prior Canadian experience does not guarantee better outcomes for all groups. The study recommends refining selection criteria based on actual labour market performance.

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