Human and Social Capital as Determinants of Employment Integration among Skilled Immigrants in Canada
Abstract
In this study, I have explored the lived employment experiences of skilled, racialized immigrants in British Columbia's labour market. Many studies treat immigrants as if they all have the same experiences, but skilled immigrants—especially those who are racialized—often face unique challenges that are overlooked. This study focuses on skilled immigrants who came to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker Program and shows how many end up “deskilled,” meaning they work in jobs far below their level of education and experience. Their foreign credentials are often not recognized, community and support systems don’t help them find meaningful work, and gender roles can make these problems even worse for women. While upgrading through Canadian education and having strong social networks can help them stay in their fields, the research highlights how Canada’s promise of equal opportunity doesn’t match the reality many immigrants face. The study calls for better alignment between immigration and labour policies, faster and fairer credential recognition, and employment programs that include mental health and gender-responsive supports.
Full text
•Results demonstrated that educational upgrading in Canada (β = - 0.435, p < .001) and higher levels of bridging social capital (β = - 0.243, p < .001) were significantly associated with lower levels of deskilling. •Conversely, non-recognition of foreign credentials (β = 0.354, p < .001) and holding a master’s degree obtained outside Canada (β = 0.128, p = .039) were significantly associated with higher levels of deskilling. •These findings reveal the critical role of social capital, educational upgrading, and credential recognition in shaping immigrant labour market outcomes. Human and Social Capital as Determinants of Employment Integration among Skilled Immigrants in Canada Karun K. Karki, PhD, MSW, Associate Professor School of Social Work | Faculty of Arts University of British Columbia, Vancouver E-mail: [email protected] Background Methods Research purpose Preliminary results • Canada’s immigration policy emphasizes human capital – education, work experience, and language proficiency – in immigrant selection. •The system increasingly prioritizes highly skilled immigrants to address specific labour market needs. •However, racialized skilled immigrants often face systemic labour market barriers, leading to underutilization of skills or “deskilling. • Skilled immigrants hold a form of “global driver’s license” – their skills should, in theory, be transferable globally – yet structural barriers limit their potential in Canada’s labour market. • Research Site: Lower Mainland, BC, one of the most ethnically diverse region in the country. • Research Design: A concurrent parallel mixed-methods design (Survey and Focus groups) •Participants: Survey (n = 111), four focus group discussions (n = 18) • Data Analysis: Descriptive and regression analysis for quantitative and Thematic analysis for qualitative •This study examines and explores the phenomenon of deskilling among skilled racialized immigrants in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. •Two primary purposes of the study: (1) to examine the extent and nature of deskilling among skilled racialized immigrants, and (2) to explore their lived experiences of deskilling. •Deskilling drivers: Non-recognition of foreign credentials, limited community support, and gendered labour dynamics hinder skilled, racialized immigrants’ employment integration. •Key enablers: Canadian education upgrades and strong social networks reduce deskilling and promote professional continuity. •Policy implications: Align immigration and labour policies, streamline credential recognition, and integrate mental health and gender-responsive supports into employment programs. Regression analysis Poster presented at the 13th Annual National Conference, Pathways to Prosperity Canada, Halifax, NS, November 24-26, 2025. This research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council , Canada. Please address correspondence to [email protected] Research problem •Existing research often treats immigrants as a homogeneous group, overlooking diverse experiences. •The tendency to categorize all skilled immigrants under a single label must be reconsidered. •Limited research on the experiences of skilled, racialized immigrants admitted to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker Program as principal applicants. Age in years (mean, SD) 40 (5) Gender Male 62 (55.9%) Female 49 (44.1%) Marital status Unmarried 20 (18%) Married 91 (82%) Highest level of education Professional degree (MD, LLB, or equivalent) 11 (9.9%) Master’s degree 91 (82%) Doctoral degree 9 (8.1%) Employment status Fulltime 69 (62.7%) Parttime 41 (37.3%) Ethnic origin South Asian 33 (29.7%) East Asian 27 (24.3%) African 6 (5.4%) Southeast Asian 12 (10.8%) Middle East 13 (11.7%) Latin, Central and South American 17 (15.3%) Caribbean 3 (2.7%) Residency in BC in years (mean, SD) 8 (3) Annual income in CA$ 61542 (36456) Socio-demographic characteristics Predictor BSE βt (Constant) 16.06 7.77 – 2.07* Gender (Ref. Male) -2.01 1.27 -0.08 -1.58 Marital Status (Ref. Unmarried) -0.62 1.29 -0.02 -0.48 Age 0.15 0.15 0.06 1.03 Educational outside Canada (Ref: Doctoral degree) Bachelor's degree 4.32 2.43 0.11 1.78 Master’s degree 4.06 1.94 0.13 2.10* Length of stay in British Columbia -0.15 0.19 -0.04 -0.77 Upgrade Edu. in Canada (Ref. No) -11.30 1.33 -0.44 -8.50*** Bonding social capital -0.12 0.15 -0.03 -0.82 Bridging social capital -0.51 0.11 -0.24 -4.57*** Non - recognition of foreign credentials 0.67 0.09 0.35 7.10*** •Mirage of meritocracy: Highlights the gap between Canada’s ideal of equal opportunity and the structural barriers faced by skilled, racialized immigrants, including non-recognition of foreign credentials, pressure to reskill, and the limited value of volunteering. •Failures of support systems: Both formal settlement services and informal networks often fail to facilitate meaningful employment, instead funnelling immigrants into low-skilled jobs and reinforcing deskilling through bonding networks. •Gendered pathways to deskilling: Gender roles and care responsibilities shape women’s labour market outcomes, with domestic and workplace gender divisions creating distinct deskilling trajectories for racialized skilled women. Conclusion Emerging themes REFERENCES: Available upon request