“The productivity problem not only affects newcomers but also has broader implications for the local population and the future of Canadian society,” says Soudabeh Rafiei, a senior manager of the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants (Career Paths) program, referring to the Bank of Canada’s concerns over the Canadian economy’s failure to grow.

For Rafiei, this problem is connected to the struggles of skilled newcomers in finding employment suitable to their qualifications, a problem that Career Paths addresses through its services. She sees the program as not only helping new immigrants and refugees, but also building a stronger Canadian society – one that has the potential for economic and social growth.

Rippling effects

“Certain groups, such as those with advanced degrees from non-Canadian institutions or those with specialized skills in less common fields, often face more significant hurdles in finding employment,” says Rafiei, identifying licensing costs and regulatory barriers as common challenges.

Operated by the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) since 2017, Career Paths helps newcomers navigate these difficulties through services such as resume writing, interview preparation and network building. Rafiei adds that the two biggest barriers are newcomers’ lack of Canadian work experience and unfamiliarity with the local workplace culture.

“This lack of awareness can make the job search process more daunting and time-consuming,” she adds, noting that many new immigrants are unprepared and even unaware of these challenges.

Rafiei points out that while employers preferred local experience even before the pandemic, the post-Covid job market saw these issues exacerbated. As the market adapted to the new normal and different immigration trends, the core barriers to employment remained.

“The ongoing economic fluctuations and changes in immigration policies continue to have an influence, often making it a moving target for skilled immigrants trying to align their qualifications with job market demands,” she adds.

According to Rafiei, employment difficulties do not just affect one’s professional life. She notes how newcomers may struggle with their mental health as an unsuccessful job search places further stress on their confidence and financial security, leading to implications in their home life. While Career Paths keeps clients engaged with their job search and offers referrals to professional mental health support, Rafiei notes that the problem requires support from lawmakers and employers.

“Employers can help alleviate this issue by offering job shadowing, mentorship programs and internships that allow newcomers to gain experience and bridge skill gaps,” she says. “Legislative reforms are also needed to streamline and expedite the credential recognition process, making it easier for immigrants to enter their professions.”

Rafiei also mentions financial resources for re-credentialing and encouraging competency-based assessments as ways to break down licensing barriers. For her, newcomers’ employment struggles can have far-reaching implications in Canadian society in terms of community fragmentation.

“This strain can lead to significant family issues, impacting the well-being and future prospects of their children, who represent the next generation of Canadians…[creating] a ripple effect, influencing community cohesion and potentially limiting the overall economic and social progress of the country,” she adds.

Addressing regional needs

Drawn to ISSofBC’s positive impact on the immigration sector, Rafiei joined the organization in May 2022 to manage one of its entrepreneurship programs. Her current role with Career Paths highlights how the job market’s occupation needs change from region to region, even though the Canadian economy as a whole is reliant on immigrants.

“One key aspect often left out of the conversation about the productivity problem is the need for better planning and coordination in the integration of new immigrants, rather than placing blame on them for economic challenges,” she says.

Built around these regional needs, Career Paths currently has three streams. The first focuses on the provincial government’s designation of high-priority occupations. Within this first stream, ISSofBC services clients looking for work in engineering, construction and technology. The second stream targets regulated professions that are of lower priority, while the third focuses on lower priority and non-regulated professions. While ISSofBC is responsible for the Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and the Cariboo and North regions, other locations are serviced by different organizations for the second and third streams.

“If we consider the Career Paths program as a whole across the province, it has served over 750 clients between April and August 2024, which is a substantial number,” adds Rafiei. “Historically, Career Paths serves hundreds of clients each year.”

She adds that over 70 per cent of Career Path’s clients have found jobs that are either in their chosen fields or correspond closely to their career ambitions. While the program has received many requests from those on work and study permits, it is only available to individuals with permanent residency status who entered Canada within the last decade and refugees with a positive decision notice. Rafiei notes that applicants’ eligibility also depends on language proficiency and other requirements specific to their desired occupations.

“Valuing the education and experience of immigrants and implementing faster, more efficient evaluation processes for their expertise are important steps that can help align the talents of newcomers with the specific demands of local economies,” she adds.

To better plan for immigrant settlement, Rafiei also advocates for more research targeted at understanding the varying needs of different regions. She would like to expand the Career Paths program by establishing stronger connections with professional associations as well as regulators.

“As policy evolves in response to client needs and changing immigration trends, it’s important to ensure that these adjustments are thoughtfully designed to tackle emerging challenges,” says Rafiei.

For more information, see: www.issbc.org.