Work Visa Holders’ Roadmap to Success in Canada’s Job Market

Canada is renowned for its highly skilled workforce, comprising both homegrown talent and newcomers who contribute significantly to the country’s labour force. However, the question remains: How successful are newcomers, particularly those with work visas or work permits, in securing employment opportunities in Canada?

In this article, we delve into the findings of a recent study conducted by Statistics Canada that sheds light on the employment trends of various immigrant groups, focusing on the short, medium, and long-term outcomes.

Unemployment Rates Among Immigrant Groups

The study conducted by Statistics Canada covered a period from March 2006 to July 2023 and examined the unemployment rates of four distinct immigrant categories:

1. Landed Immigrants: These are individuals who have recently arrived in Canada or have been granted permanent residence (PR) status.

2. Immigrants with 5 Years or Less in Canada: This group includes newcomers who have been in Canada for five years or less.

3. Immigrants with 5-10 Years in Canada: Immigrants who have resided in Canada for a duration of 5 to 10 years.

4. Immigrants with 10 or More Years in Canada: This category comprises immigrants who have been living in Canada for a decade or more.

Unemployment Trends

Analyzing the data, the study not only provides average unemployment rates for each group but also highlights the fluctuations in these rates during the 17-year period.

1. Landed Immigrants: Between 2006 and 2023, this group had an average unemployment rate of 7.7%. Unemployment peaked at 14.6% in June 2020, primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the lowest rate of 5% was observed in June 2022.

2. Immigrants with 5 Years or Less in Canada: This group had the highest average unemployment rate at 11.7% during the study period. They experienced notable fluctuations, with unemployment reaching a high of 17.9% in June 2020 and a low of 7.4% in August 2022.

3. Immigrants with 5-10 Years in Canada: These immigrants had an average unemployment rate of 8.9%. Their unemployment rate fluctuated significantly, reaching a peak of 16.8% in June 2020 and a low of 4.5% in December 2022.

4. Immigrants with 10 or More Years in Canada: Immigrants in this category experienced the lowest average unemployment rate at 6.6%. Their unemployment rate had the least fluctuation among all groups, peaking at 13.4% in June 2020 and hitting a low of 4.3% in December 2022.

Understanding the Results

The high unemployment rate among newcomers with less than five years in Canada raises the question of why this group faces greater challenges. Several key factors contribute to this disparity:

1. Pursuit of Education and Accreditation: Many new permanent residents in Canada are in the process of gaining education or accreditation to align with the Canadian job market, which may temporarily keep them from the workforce.

2. Spousal and Family Considerations: Spouses and dependent children of new permanent residents, despite being of working age, may be engaged in education or managing family responsibilities, contributing to the unemployment rate.

3. Pre-Landing Canadian Work Experience: A significant portion of new permanent residents classified as “landed immigrants” may have already worked or studied in Canada, providing them with pre-landing Canadian work experience, which positively impacts their employment prospects.

Factors Influencing Immigrant Employment Outcomes

A 2022 study by Statistics Canada delves into the factors influencing the success of principal applicants under the economic-immigrant category. The study identified several crucial factors:

• Pre-Landing Canadian Work Experience
• Official Language Ability
• Age at Landing
• Education Level

The study revealed that while some factors, such as pre-landing Canadian work experience and language proficiency, had a significant impact on immigrant employment upon arrival, their effect diminished over time. Conversely, the influence of age and education level increased with time spent in Canada.

The study’s key finding was that the quality of pre-landing Canadian work experience played a pivotal role in immigrant employment success. Those who studied or worked at recognized Canadian institutions before obtaining PR status held a substantial advantage.

Importantly, the data also indicated that immigrants without substantial pre-landing Canadian experience could bridge the gap with time.

Conclusion

In summary, the employment landscape for immigrants in Canada is dynamic, with varying unemployment rates across different groups and periods. While newcomers may face initial challenges, the quality of their pre-landing Canadian experience ultimately impacts their long-term labour market outcomes.

This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for individuals considering work visas or work permits in Canada, emphasizing the importance of gaining meaningful pre-landing Canadian experience to enhance employment prospects.

(Source and Inputs from Cicnews)