Low Job Market Integration of Skilled Immigrants in Canada: The Implication for Social Integration and Mental Well-Being

Abstract

Skilled immigrants are critical assets to the social and economic dynamism of Canada. However, they are less likely to find employment matching their skillset due to a lack of inclusive post-immigration professional integration policies and support. They generally earn less and often live below the low-income cutoff relative to their Canadian-born counterparts. This paper aims to review the current situation of low job market integration (LJMI) of skilled immigrants in Canada and its implications on their social integration and mental well-being. Skilled immigrants continue to face disparities in getting desired jobs, despite having sufficient skills and credentials similar if not superior to that of Canadian-borns. Based on the existing literature, this study demonstrates that low job market integration limits skilled immigrants’ productivity, and they experience a lower level of social integration and deteriorated mental well-being. Therefore, initiatives from multidisciplinary and multisector stakeholders are necessary to improve skilled immigrants’ mental well-being by providing equal opportunities devoid of social exclusion and marginalization.

Experiences lived by international nurses concerning professional integration and interpersonal relationships in the workplace: qualitative research

“…It involves acquiring the language skills, social norms and values needed to participate fully in the social and cultural life of a community. Social integration also includes developing interpersonal relationships such as friendships and connections with local organizations that provide social support to individuals (Raihan et al, 2023;Viola et al, 2018). Thus, interpersonal relationships in the workplace, refer to the connections and interactions between individuals in the work environment.…”

“…It involves acquiring the education, skills and experience necessary to perform a job effectively in a new cultural and professional context. Professional integration also involves understanding workplace norms and expectations, building professional networks and adapting to the local job market (Raihan et al, 2023). In summary, social integration consists of becoming a member of a new society and culture, while professional integration consists of becoming part of the workforce in a new environment (Raihan et al, 2023;Viola et al, 2018).…”

“…Professional integration also involves understanding workplace norms and expectations, building professional networks and adapting to the local job market (Raihan et al, 2023). In summary, social integration consists of becoming a member of a new society and culture, while professional integration consists of becoming part of the workforce in a new environment (Raihan et al, 2023;Viola et al, 2018). Thus, social interactions in the workplace and professional integration are important for international nurses to successfully integrate into a new community and achieve long-term success.…”

“…It involves acquiring the education, skills and experience necessary to perform a job effectively in a new cultural and professional context. Professional integration also involves understanding workplace norms and expectations, building professional networks and adapting to the local job market (Raihan et al. , 2023).…”

“…, 2023). In summary, social integration consists of becoming a member of a new society and culture, while professional integration consists of becoming part of the workforce in a new environment (Raihan et al. , 2023; Viola et al.…”