Foreign credentials recognized for less than one third of immigrants, study finds

More than two thirds of newcomers to Alberta have education or credentials that aren’t fully recognized in Canada, a recent study found.

More than 65 per cent of the study’s participants reported underemployment or working jobs below their qualification levels, despite more than 50 per cent having a bachelor’s, masters or doctorate degree.

The study, conducted by local non-profit ActionDignity, engaged more than 500 recent immigrants who live or have lived in Calgary, and who represent a range of professional and educational backgrounds and various stages of settlement.

Only 29.1 per cent of participants reported full recognition of their foreign credentials, while another 25.9 per cent reported partial recognition.

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While 8.5 per cent were awaiting recognition of their credentials, 35.2 per cent reported no recognition.

Nearly half of those surveyed had repeated courses or training or pursued additional Canadian credentials, despite their existing qualifications. For nearly 40 per cent of participants, those processes posed a significant financial burden.

Mayssoun Hniedi, manager of employment and career development for The Immigrant Education Society (TIES), said the costs associated with credential recognition processes can range from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $15,000, depending on how regulated a profession is.

Costs can include document evaluation, regulatory body application fees, exams, bridging programs, licensing fees and other requirements like transportation or safety certifications.

The processes can take up to a year, and sometimes even longer for refugees who may face challenges with obtaining the proper documents from their home country.

Only 13.1 per cent of the study’s participants reported full alignment between their qualifications and current employment, while 21 per cent reported partial alignment and 47.3 per cent reported no alignment.

57.4 per cent said they accepted work below their skill level out of financial necessity.

As unemployment rates creep higher and more people are competing for the same jobs, employers’ standards also get higher, Hniedi said.