Across many countries, including Canada, immigrants are more likely than non-immigrants to be self-employed. In the late 2000s, about 19% of immigrants were self-employed, compared to 15% of the Canadian-born population. In particular, immigrants who have been in Canada for longer than ten years are more likely than the Canadian-born to be owners of private incorporated businesses (5.8% vs 4.8%). Five industries make up over half of all immigrant owned businesses in Canada: professional, scientific, and technical services; retail trade; real estate; accommodation and food services; transportation and warehousing; and construction.

Learn more: Immigrant Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship; Issue 29