May 5, 2026 Edition
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Your Immigration Update
Many skilled immigrants in Canada are not working in jobs that match their education or experience, according to new reports. Instead, they face barriers like overqualification, part-time work, and complex licensing systems, leaving talent underused across the country.
Key Takeaways:
Immigrants are far more likely to be overqualified, especially those with higher education.
Immigrants are 1.7x more likely to involuntarily be in part-time jobs compared to Canadian-born workers
Construction and hospitality offer quick job access, but often don’t match skills or offer stability.
Healthcare jobs are in demand, but licensing rules make it hard for newcomers to enter the field.
Outcomes vary by location, with some cities doing a much better job than others.
Overall, Canada is bringing in skilled workers but not fully using their talent.
Canada relies on immigrant talent to fill labour shortages, but the findings show a clear gap between who we bring in and how their skills are used. Fixing this gap will be key to improving both newcomer success and Canada’s economy.
Should workers in Canada have a clear way to become permanent residents? Canada brings in temporary foreign workers to fill job shortages, but many do not have a clear or realistic path to stay long-term. This creates stress and uncertainty for people who are already working and helping the economy.
A better approach would be to connect work permits more directly to permanent residence. For example, if Canada needs civil engineers, it could grant work permits to qualified workers and then offer a pathway to PR after they gain Canadian work experience. This would make the system clearer from the start.
Workers would know why they were chosen, what Canada expects from them, and what steps they need to take to stay. It could also reduce unfair treatment by giving workers more flexibility and a stronger sense of security.
Immigration In The Media
Restaurant owners in Nova Scotia say new immigration changes are making it harder to find and keep workers. With fewer temporary residents allowed into Canada and stricter rules, many restaurants are short-staffed, especially before the busy tourist season.
Some owners say they can’t hire enough local workers and are also losing experienced foreign staff when their permits expire. As a result, many are working longer hours and even changing how their businesses operate.
While this shows how important immigrant workers are to the restaurant industry, it also highlights the challenges businesses face as Canada adjusts its immigration policies.
Career Moves: How to Use Social Media to Find a Job
Social media can be more than just a way to pass time, it can also help with your job search in Canada. With unemployment still high, job seekers may need to be more creative to stand out.
Key points:
Use LinkedIn to build your profile, connect with people, and apply for jobs.
Be careful with Easy Apply and try to tailor each application.
A short video resume can help show your personality and skills.
Join online communities to network with people in your field.
Research companies on social media before applying or interviewing.
Keep your online profiles professional and watch out for job scams.
When used the right way, social media can help job seekers find opportunities, make connections, and present themselves as strong candidates.
Today's Tip: Find the Best Canadian City for Your Move from the U.S
Thinking about moving north? Canada has plenty of great places for Americans to call home, but the right city depends on what kind of life you want.
Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are popular picks for their strong job markets, culture, and big-city energy. Calgary and Ottawa may be better for families looking for affordability, safety, and a high quality of life.
If you’re after a slower pace, Halifax and other Atlantic communities offer lower living costs and a strong sense of community. Whether your priority is work, budget, lifestyle, or access to nature, Canada has options that can feel both familiar and refreshingly new.
