Major Problems Skilled Immigrants Face in Canada and How to Can Tackle Them

For the last few years, Canada is facing the problem of labor shortage, especially in essential industries such as the food services and healthcare system. The global pandemic has only intensified the crisis. Canada is now lacking skilled immigrants who generally provide a large amount of labor force. So, if you thinking of settling in a secured life in Canada, this is the best time. However, there are some major problems that skilled immigrants face in Canada when it comes to finding a job.

The problems range from the difficulty of adapting to the workspace in a foreign land to discrimination by others. Moreover, it is difficult to understand the complicated professional space and its regulations. You might often struggle to realize how you can utilize your skill and experience to succeed in your field.
Here we have talked about five major problems that you, as a skilled immigrant, will face in Canada. Keep reading to know how you can easily tackle them.

Language Barrier and the Problems of Communication

Moving to a foreign country means adapting to an altogether new cultural and social setup. In that case, language plays an important role. Despite the years of experience and skill in your own field, you might find it difficult to communicate your inputs to your co-workers. This may cause a hindrance in your path to success in your field of expertise. You must know the professional lingo to ensure your position in the workspace.

However, there are ways you can solve this issue. You can take admission to a short course pertaining to your field in the local college. In this way, you will be having the required experience to succeed in the job. At the same time, knowing the language well would help you to present and market your skills to the employee more effectively.

Also Read- 4 Never to be made mistakes while choosing Immigration Professionals

Building Your Credibility

You might have studied subjects relevant to your profession in the best universities in your country. But for your Canadian employer, it will carry no special value. The local recruiters of Canada might fail to recognize your credentials, making it difficult for you to land a good job.
It is very easy to tackle this problem. You just have to get your credentials evaluated to find out the Canadian equivalency of your degree. With Canadian credentials, your employer would easily recognize your expertise.

Get Licensed in Your Profession

Although it is not true for all, some professions are strictly regulated and you must be licensed by relevant authorities to find a job in those. Professions such as teaching and nursing follow special regulations when it comes to employing immigrants. You may have experience in working in the same field in your own country. However, because of the decentralized nature of these professions, your experience may not qualify you as a skilled professional in Canada. For this, you may need to go through a long process to get licensed in the field.

The best thing is to know the requirements and be prepared before you apply for the regulated position. Another alternative is to apply for a position in the same field which does not require you to get licensed. It will give you the necessary time to gain experience and relevant skills to help you get licensed in the future.

Networking

Networking within your professional community helps you build connections and experience that will eventually lead to your next big job. However, in a foreign land, language and cultural differences often make it difficult to create meaningful relationships. This lack of networking leads to you being stuck in the same job position for years.
There are multiple ways to tackle this problem. Firstly, you can join a local immigrant network to make new connections with people who also share your problems. Find other immigrants within your professional circles who can help you with his or her connections. Finally, to reach out to people more effectively, you can optimize your LinkedIn profile to build your legitimacy within your professional community.

Discrimination at Work Place

Skilled immigrants often face discrimination because of the lack of work experience in Canada. At times, due to this environment of discrimination, they are not able to utilize their full potential.

However, authorities have taken action to ensure that no immigrant has to face such discrimination. The Ontario Humans Rights Commission has formed a policy to reduce such instances of discrimination in Ontario. Nonetheless, lack of local experience continues to be a major barrier for immigrants while searching for jobs. To tackle this situation, you can volunteer in your own field to get the employer’s trust.

Finally, an optimistic outlook and confidence help you build your authenticity, reflecting your skills and experience. Whenever there is an obstacle, with confidence in yourself, you can always find a way to succeed.

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Aishani Pande

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