University of Alberta study reveals 81% of immigrants are struggling to find jobs for their qualifications

Underemployment among Skilled Immigrants: Anna's story is a testament to the resilience of skilled immigrants. When she arrived in Canada, she brought with her not just a suitcase, but also years of experience as a skilled physician. Despite the challenges of re-certification and the lack of opportunities in her field, she didn't give up. Instead, she found a job as a cashier at a grocery store, showing her determination to make ends meet.

Anna's story is not unique. Thousands of highly skilled immigrants in Canada are trapped in jobs that fail to reflect their expertise, leaving them vulnerable to financial struggles, professional stagnation, and, perhaps most significantly, mental health challenges. A new study led by Shu-Ping Chen, an associate professor at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, sheds light on this growing crisis.

Also Read: University of Leeds announces international excellence scholarship for Indian students

According to the research, an overwhelming 81% of the 42 interviewed immigrants were working in jobs that did not match their qualifications. Their overqualification not only led to financial stress but also to a profound loss of identity, self-worth, and mental well-being.

The Struggle to Be Recognized

One of the biggest hurdles skilled immigrants face is the non-recognition of their foreign credentials. Canada's strict regulatory requirements mean that doctors, engineers, and other highly trained professionals must often undergo years of additional schooling, costly licensing exams, or redundant training to meet Canadian standards.

"Many immigrants—especially health-care professionals—noticed delays or outright rejection of their qualifications by regulatory bodies," says Chen. The problem is exacerbated by a lack of local work experience and professional networks, making it even more difficult for newcomers to secure employment in their fields.

As a result, many take on precarious jobs in industries they never trained for. These roles often come with low wages, unstable hours, and a complete absence of benefits such as health insurance and pensions. This economic instability not only stresses these workers, making planning for the future or supporting their families difficult, but also has a significant impact on the Canadian economy, as it underutilizes the skills and expertise these immigrants bring.

The Psychological Toll of Underemployment

Beyond financial hardship, being underemployed takes a profound psychological toll. Many skilled immigrants' identity is closely tied to their profession. A doctor who can no longer treat patients, a teacher unable to educate, or an engineer working as a delivery driver may experience feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and helplessness.

"Their professional and social identities were tied to their qualifications, so working below their capacity can lead to feelings of inadequacy and mental distress," says Chen.

Over time, these struggles contribute to a phenomenon known as the "deskilling process." When skilled workers spend too long in positions that do not utilize their expertise, they lose confidence in their abilities and may even forget key skills. This further diminishes their chances of returning to their original professions, trapping them in an unfulfilling, low-wage employment cycle.

Workplace Challenges: Language, Culture, and Discrimination

Even when immigrants find employment, they often face additional challenges within the workplace. Language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and workplace discrimination can hinder their ability to integrate and succeed.

A misunderstanding of Canadian workplace norms may lead to poor job performance and missed opportunities for advancement. Some immigrants struggle to express themselves clearly due to language barriers, leading to frustration and isolation. Over time, this can result in what researchers call a "negative mindset," where workers stop advocating for themselves and accept unfair treatment as inevitable.

"They stop speaking up about issues and then accept this unfair treatment, which will worsen their situation. It's a negative cycle," Chen explains.

A Silent Mental Health Crisis

Despite the high prevalence of mental health struggles among these workers, many choose not to seek professional help. The reasons for this avoidance are complex. Some fear being misunderstood or judged by mental health professionals unfamiliar with their cultural backgrounds. Others come from cultures where mental health discussions carry a stigma, discouraging them from reaching out for support.

"Together, these issues mean that many immigrants struggle on their own instead of getting the help they need," Chen notes.

For some, financial barriers prevent them from accessing mental health care, as precarious employment often does not include health benefits. Without proper intervention, stress and anxiety can escalate into more severe mental health issues, further impacting their ability to work and integrate into society.

Searching for Solutions

While the challenges are significant, some solutions could help ease the burden on skilled immigrants and create a more inclusive workforce. One key recommendation from the study is the implementation of credential-bridging programs. These programs help translate foreign qualifications into recognized Canadian credentials, reducing the barriers skilled workers face in entering their professional fields. These programs could be funded and supported by the government and various community organizations. Additionally, cultural awareness training for employers could foster a more inclusive work environment. Many workplace misunderstandings stem from cultural differences, and better training could help employers recognize and support the unique challenges immigrant workers face. This training could be integrated into existing employee onboarding and development programs.

Additionally, cultural awareness training for employers could foster a more inclusive work environment. Many workplace misunderstandings stem from cultural differences, and better training could help employers recognize and support the unique challenges immigrant workers face.

For workers themselves, increased occupational health and safety training could improve job security and workplace conditions. Many immigrants in precarious employment perform unfamiliar physical labor without proper training, putting them at a higher risk of workplace injuries. Ensuring they know their rights and how to protect themselves would be crucial in improving working conditions.

Hope on the Horizon

In response to these findings, Chen and her collaborators have developed five online learning modules designed to help newcomers understand Canadian workplace culture and psychological safety at work. These modules will soon be piloted with two Calgary-based agencies that assist recent immigrants.

The research is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the needs of new immigrant workers by identifying training gaps, evaluating available resources, and developing targeted solutions.

The study raises awareness of this problem. We want to highlight the urgent need for stronger policies to ensure fair job opportunities and emphasize the need for governments, employers, and community organizations to work together to create solutions. This collaboration is crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by skilled immigrants and in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for them.

Also Read: University of Southampton unveils scholarships for Indian undergrad and grad students

As Canada continues to welcome skilled immigrants, it's crucial to address the challenges they face. By doing so, we not only support the well-being of these workers but also enhance Canada's economy. Wasted talent benefits no one, and by ensuring that immigrants can fully contribute their skills and expertise, we can build a stronger, more inclusive society. This is a cause for optimism and a call to action for all of us to support skilled immigrants in their journey.

For Anna and countless others like her, the dream of practicing their profession in Canada may not be lost. With better policies, more muscular support systems, and a shift in societal attitudes, these skilled workers may one day reclaim the careers they worked so hard to build—bringing their full potential to the country they now call home. Keep reading at Education Post News for more global updates.