World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. The weekly roundup includes research, stories, and events of interest to the Canadian immigration and settlement community. This content has been created by WES and is reproduced here with their permission, in partnership.
Talent to Win: Employers’ perspectives on immigrant underemployment and the immense upside of solving it (ICC & Deloitte)
Deloitte and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship recently released a report focusing on tackling the underemployment of immigrants in Canada, which hampers both individual success and economic growth. The goal was to identify barriers preventing immigrants from fully contributing to the workforce and offer strategies for improvement. Key points addressed include poor onboarding, gaps in diversity and inclusion efforts, challenges in recognizing foreign qualifications, and complex hiring regulations for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises. The report suggests practical solutions such as creating specialized hiring teams, employing cluster hiring, and providing family support to help immigrants thrive in the workforce. It was also noted that immigrant talents are often undervalued due to cultural biases and a lack of understanding of the global skills they bring. The ultimate aim is for businesses to tap into the underutilized potential of immigrants, driving both their success and Canada’s economic competitiveness. There is an accompanying Talent-to-Win Playbook that was recently released.
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Canada has always had a ‘tap on, tap off’ immigration policy aimed primarily at filling jobs (The Conversation)
The federal government is set to announce the annual immigration levels plan this November, highlighting immigration targets across categories for the next three years. Current messaging from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada signal that overall immigration levels are set to decrease; given current economic conditions - many of which have been longstanding - facing the country. While often labeled as sudden and reactionary, research indicates that "tap on, tap off" changes have been a trend throughout Canada's immigration planning. Historically, Canada has been a welcoming country where immigration plays a significant role in our cultural richness and economic success. Recently, immigration has been increasingly linked to labour market policy; to alleviate critical shortages in the workforce. Temporary migration, primarily among international students, has seen explosive growth and has contributed as a vital source of economic revenue. Experts caution however, that abrupt changes in policy directions have the potential to fracture the consensus on immigration amongst the public and Canada's reputation as a leader in ethical migration practices.
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Canada’s skyrocketing rates of non-permanent residents are the highest they’ve ever been (The Hub)
Canada's population continues to climb due largely to exponential growth in non-permanent residency (NPR) numbers, which are often overlooked and undercounted. Since the 2021 census, Canada’s population has grown by nearly three million, with NPRs now representing an historic 7.2 percent - nearly double the 2021 figure. Research also indicates that population estimates are significantly miscounted, with nearly one million NPRs going unaccounted for. Additionally, Canada has a large population of undocumented residents, previously estimated to be between 50,000-100,000, though not officially counted by Statistics Canada. Upon discussing a prospective plan to regularize undocumented residents in late 2023, Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that the number of undocumented residents in Canada likely ranges from 300,000-600,000, reflecting extreme growth and uncertainty. Earlier this year, Minister Miller announced that Ottawa is committed to reducing the NPR population to 5 percent by 2027. Concrete figures will be released in the new Immigration Levels Plan in November 2024.
Majority of immigrants struggle to get ahead in the workplace, one-third face discrimination: OMNI Poll (City News)
A recent OMNI poll reveals that more than half of immigrants in Canada find it harder to advance in the workplace, with one-third reporting experiences of discrimination, particularly due to ethnic, racial, or cultural biases. Many immigrants face significant obstacles, such as the lack of recognition for foreign credentials, forcing them into "survival jobs" to support themselves while they pursue further education or professional development. The challenges are more pronounced for newer immigrants, younger individuals, and BIPOC groups, especially those of South Asian descent. Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, immigrants—particularly racialized women—remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles, making up less than one percent of such positions in places like British Columbia. Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged that while Canada values skills and qualifications earned abroad, during the immigration process, once newcomers arrive, the system often falls short. He noted that the responsibility for credential recognition largely rests with the provinces, which adds complexity to addressing these barriers. The report highlights the need for both businesses and government to improve their practices and create a more inclusive environment where immigrants can thrive throughout their careers.
Further Reading:
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