Objectives: To compare chronic illnesses, economic dependence and health-care use by immigrants and native-born Canadians. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Canada Community Health Survey national data (2009-2010) was conducted. Results: Recent and established immigrants were healthier than native-born Canadians. Healthy, established immigrants were more likely than native-born Canadians to be working, and no more likely to use transfer payments. Health-challenged recent immigrants had high employment rates, but low rates of health care. Health-challenged established immigrants and native born were equally likely to be working, depending on transfer payments and using health care. Regardless of nativity or health, education, male gender and linguistic fluency increased the probability of employment. Female gender and advancing age increased the likelihood of dependency. Residents of Canada's most prosperous regions were the most likely to be employed and the least likely to receive transfer payments. Conclusions: Immigrants with chronic illnesses do not inevitably dilute the economic benefits of immigration or create excessive burden. Timely programs to promote integration can help ensure a favourable balance between economic contribution and social cost. Neglecting the health of new immigrants may eventuate in long-term disability. © 2014 Swiss School of Public Health.

Immigrant Ableism Social dependence Immigrants with disabilities Labour force participation Chronic illness

human sex difference middle aged statistics and numerical data health service health status Health Surveys social care chronic disease Mental Disorders Humans migrant male Canada Emigrants and Immigrants female Socioeconomic Factors socioeconomics health services adult age Sex Factors Age Factors utilization Public Assistance employment health survey