Maple News reports that a growing number of immigrants in Canada are securing employment that aligns more closely with their educational background and professional experience, signaling progress in addressing a long-standing issue in the country’s labor market.
A recent release by Statistics Canada reveals a notable 4.4% improvement in the number of degree-holding recent immigrants employed in roles that match their qualifications, comparing data from the 2016 and 2021 censuses. This marks a positive shift for skilled newcomers who have often faced employment barriers despite having advanced credentials.
Overqualification, commonly referred to as the “education-occupation mismatch,” occurs when individuals are hired for jobs that require significantly lower skills or education levels than they possess. This issue has historically impacted immigrants at disproportionately higher rates, limiting their economic potential and integration into the Canadian workforce.
Encouragingly, the share of recent immigrants classified as “over-educated”—those working jobs well below their qualifications—has dropped from 31.1% in 2016 to 26.7% in 2021. While this still represents over one in four new immigrants, it demonstrates a trend toward improved labor market outcomes for newcomers.
Looking back further, StatsCan data shows the rate of overqualification among recent immigrants has fluctuated over the past two decades. In 2001, 28.7% of recent immigrants were found to be over-educated for their jobs. The rate peaked and dipped in subsequent five-year intervals, influenced by factors such as immigration policy changes, economic conditions, and recognition of foreign credentials.
Efforts by both government and private sectors—such as credential recognition programs, targeted employment supports, and adaptations in immigration selection processes—are believed to have contributed to the recent strides in better job fit for newcomers.
Still, experts underline the importance of continuing to close the gap. Addressing systemic challenges, ensuring broader recognition of international qualifications, and supporting inclusive hiring practices are seen as key to fully leveraging the skills immigrants bring to Canada.
Maple News will continue to monitor how changes in immigration and labor policies affect newcomer outcomes and will provide trusted reporting on emerging trends impacting immigrant professionals.