5 Barriers Faced by Skilled Immigrants: How One Can Overcome These?

For the past few years, Canadian job markets are facing difficulties while dealing with a shortage of skilled workers.  However, a large number of skilled immigrants striving to seek permanent residence are still facing barriers in finding a relevant job. These challenges include navigation of professional and trade bodies, language barriers, international work experience, credentials and employee discrimination.

Discussed below are top five barriers and some ways to overcome the same.

How to get Licensed in a Regulated Profession

It may be difficult for skilled workers who are working in a regulated profession to obtain the same role after immigration in a new country. The reason for this difficulty is the decentralized status of professional regulatory bodies.

Similarly, these bodies have their respective licensing requirements depending on each state, territory or province. The licensing process in Canada is quite expensive and time-consuming too. Hence, the applicants must prepare themselves or do some necessary research before applying.

In case, you are unqualified for a regulated profession, it is appropriate to look for a non-regulated job in your related field. In this way, you can utilize your skills to gain the necessary experience.

Recognition Of Educational Credentials

It happens in most of the cases that Canadian employers don’t recognize educational credentials. This is so, as employers are not familiar with the name of your educational institution or equivalency of the degree. It is possible to overcome this barrier by complete evaluation of your credentials to determine their exact status.

Canadian employers may recognize the legitimacy of a degree if you evaluate your credentials through a reputable evaluator.

{Read More about Skilled Immigration: Nova Scotia Skilled Worker Program}

Language Barrier

Mostly, skilled workers are experienced in their relevant field. However, their working experience in one country may not be beneficial in other. The difference between language and terminologies is surely a reason, which affects the career progress. You can overcome this barrier by enrolling into a language course at local college. In addition to communication and language development, make sure to present yourself in a professional way.

Highlighting your relevant skills is also important in getting the desired job. You must have some acquaintance with the art of pitching. As it’s all about presenting yourself, your skills and your experience in relevant field.

Employer Discrimination          

Another barrier faced by skilled immigrants in Canada is the employer discrimination. The reason for this behavior is a lack of work experience in Canadian states. This situation is frustrating for Skilled immigrants and they term it as disguised discrimination. According to their point of view, this requirement is used as a pretext to screen out new job seekers from hiring process.

Although Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has passed a relevant legislation, so that lack of work experience may not be considered as a barrier. Nevertheless, work experience is still considered as an essential factor for the hiring process. You can overcome this issue by participating in various community programs to enhance your networking.

The most important thing to consider is not to lose your confidence. Keep looking for networking and training opportunity to maximize your chances.