Canada heading the G7 in attracting immigrants, accounting for 90% of population growth from newcomers, among the permanent residents, citizenship ratings are fallings.
A historic welcome of 431,645 permanent residents to the country in 2022, In contrast, 221, 919 immigrants became Canadian citizens- the lowest percentage recorded according to Statistics Canada data compiled by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)
In 2021, data indicates 45.7% of the permanent residents became citizens in the span of 10 years. This figure is down from 60%in 2016 and 75.1% in 2001. Over 20 years, a 40 % decline in citizenship uptake is indicated.
It is forecasted, by 2036, 30% of Canada’s population will be represented by immigrants compared to 20.7% in 2011.
Kubeir Kamal, an Immigration consultant said the decline is worrying, wearing off the charm of the new country.
Greener pasters and a better life are some of the main reasons peoples move to Canada. However, the charm of the perfect country soon fades off due to high taxes, high cost of living, and poor job opportunities, says Kamal.
Among other reasons, the biggest fact is that Canada has failed to allow foreign work experience to be recognized in the same way as Canadian experience says Kamal.
Many professionals arrive in Canada having earned certificates, degrees, and qualifications and are informed to start from the bottom or work as unpaid interns. Many take this as a challenge, and a large number of them feel demotivated.
Research done by Shibao Guo, a professor at the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education focuses on transnational migration and said a “Triple Glass” effect is experienced by immigrants with international degrees coming into Canada.
According to Guo, the glass gate is the first of three layers that hinders people from being accepted as members of professional associations.
Immigrants such as Doctors, engineers, and lawyers, holding international degrees have to become members of professional associations to practice in their fields of expertise.
Overcoming the first layer, leads to the second layer says Guo. This glass door prevents people from being accepted and accessing high-paying jobs, there is no guarantee that they will even get a professional job right away.
Guo said a third level may still hit immigrants who succeed at the first two levels. “The glass ceiling” – the level which prevents people from archiving managerial positions, getting promoted, or being played equal to Canadian – born colleagues, just because they do not possess job experience in Canada, or speak with an accent.
A research paper published indicates skilled Chinese immigrants have faced downward mobility in Canada due to the devaluation of their foreign credentials and foreign work experience. Immigration, refugees, and Citizenship Canada working with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship to figure out and understand the reason behind this trend.
