Maple News reports that newcomers who actively research and connect via social media prior to moving to Canada experience significantly better outcomes in the Canadian job market. According to a 2023 study conducted by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), 65% of surveyed immigrants engaged with social media platforms before their arrival to explore job opportunities and connect with communities.
The study highlights a strong correlation between early social media usage and successful entry into the Canadian workforce. Within the first six months of arrival, newcomers who used social media for job-related preparation were three times more likely to secure employment compared to those who did not.
More importantly, the jobs these individuals found were more likely to align with their existing professional skills and credentials. The study also notes that early social media users tended to land higher-paying positions, giving them a critical edge during their initial settlement phase.
The research delves deep into the newcomer journey and breaks it down into different stages. One key phase, referred to as “pre-arrival search and communication,” showed that 82% of participants had already engaged with a person, group, or network online regarding immigration matters before flying to Canada.
Platforms commonly used for gathering employment information, even before arrival, include LinkedIn, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Telegram, Reddit, and Twitter (now X). Each platform offered different strengths — from professional networking to community discussions and access to immigrant success stories.
This data suggests that social media is not just a supplementary tool, but a strategic asset for newcomers navigating their immigration pathway. Whether it’s understanding Canadian workplace culture, scouting job opportunities, or seeking informal mentorship, digital pre-arrival engagement is increasingly shaping the newcomer experience.
As Canada continues to rely on skilled immigrants to bolster its economy, equipping future newcomers with the right digital tools and strategies pre-arrival could further smooth integration efforts.
Maple News will continue to report on initiatives and insights to help newcomers succeed in Canada’s dynamic labour market.