“You Need to Prove Your Competence More Than Your Peers”: Challenges Faced by Professional Immigrant Females in the Canadian Labour Market

Skilled migrants continue to face challenges integrating into the Canadian labour market. Most literature in this area discusses challenges faced by all skilled migrants and there is a gap in identifying unique obstacles faced by females who are disproportionately underemployed. This research project aimed at identifying challenges faced by professional immigrant females to ultimately inform future research and opportunities in which to better integrate this minority group. A mixed-method approach was used. First survey data, administered by one of our collaborators, was used to understand the landscape of the Canadian labour market for professional immigrant females. Second, semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders in the settlement service industry to further understand this point. The results of this study supported our original research goals and recommendations for solutions were made. If these recommendations are considered in future organizational and policy planning, a more diverse and inclusive workforce can be fostered.