Future of work

“Canadian experience” is a common phrase used by government, employers and community agencies, yet it lacks a clear and consistent definition. This report assesses the various forms of “Canadian experience” to find more clarity in the term.

Research has shown that “Canadian experience” results in an array of benefits such as advanced language skills, soft skills development, professional networks and more. For many immigrants, the lack of “Canadian experience” can be a barrier to economic and social integration. Further, the needs of individuals who enter Canada on temporary visas and then apply for permanent residency at a later date (also known as “two-step migration”) are strikingly different from those of newcomers who enter through direct permanent residency programs. The authors argue that the current immigration and settlement support system in Canada was not designed with two-step migration in mind. As a result, steps must be taken to ameliorate the system to support those individuals in achieving full economic inclusion. Recommendations include:

For the federal government:

• Produce an evidence-based, coherent and consistent assessment of “Canadian experience” to adjust permanent residency pathways.
• Review settlement practices and realign programming.
• Support and invest in international students as potential immigrants to ensure their economic success.

For the provincial government:

• Work with educational institutions to better align international programs with regional economic opportunities.
• Collaborate with federal government and post-secondary institutions to enhance supports available to international students.

For employers:

• Eliminate Canadian work experience as a formal hiring requirement.