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Canadian Employers Increasingly Hiring Immigrants Matching Their Skillsets

Writer's picture: Parisa ErfaniParisa Erfani


A recent report from Statistics Canada indicates a declining trend in overqualification among Canadian immigrants.


Overqualification refers to the situation where immigrants in Canada are employed in positions that do not fully utilize their educational background or work experience.


As per the StatsCan report released on May 22, there has been a 4.4% rise in the proportion of recent immigrants with at least a bachelor’s degree who are now employed in roles commensurate with their qualifications, based on a comparison of census data from 2016 to 2021.


Note: StatsCan also unveiled a reduction in the proportion of recent immigrants deemed "over-educated" during the same timeframe. In the 2016 census data, 31.1% of recent immigrants were identified as over-educated for their roles, a figure that declined to 26.7% in the 2021 census.


Examining the Historical Trend of Overqualification in Canada

Overqualification has persisted as a persistent challenge for recent Canadian immigrants over the years.


Looking back to 2001, Statistics Canada data illustrates the fluctuating pattern of recent immigrants' "education-occupation mismatch."


In 2001, 28.7% of recent immigrants found themselves overeducated for their respective occupations. Subsequent years saw variations:


- 2006: 32.9%

- 2011: 27.8%

- 2016: 31.1%

- 2021: 26.7%


It's noteworthy that in 2021, recent Canadian immigrants experienced the lowest rate of overeducation in the past two decades.


Similarly, the data indicated a positive trend in 2021, with the highest percentage (44.4%) of recent Canadian immigrants achieving an "education-occupation match" in twenty years.


Reflecting on the figures from 2001, StatsCan revealed the following percentages of recent immigrants achieving a match between their education and occupation:


- 2001: 48.0%

- 2006: 43.7%

- 2011: 43.7%

- 2016: 40.0%


Navigating Overqualification and Employment Opportunities in Canada

Recent Canadian immigrants, along with newcomers in general, can explore avenues to address overqualification concerns by considering eligibility for bridging programs. These programs, supported by provincial and territorial governments, aim to bridge the gap between international education and work experience and Canadian standards.


It's important to note that bridging programs may not be accessible across all industries. However, for eligible individuals, they offer a pathway to gain necessary accreditation and work experience, particularly in regulated industries throughout Canada, often aligning with their expertise from their home countries.


For further information on bridging programs, refer to the dedicated webpage available.


Securing Employment in Canada


Finding employment in Canada can present challenges for newcomers due to varying workplace customs, cultures, and requirements unique to each country.


To support newcomers in their job search journey, numerous online platforms offer valuable resources. These resources assist foreign nationals in tasks ranging from crafting a Canadian-style resume to honing strategies for successful job interviews.


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