Canada continues to welcome a high number of newcomers. According to the 2025 OECD report, the foreign-born population accounts for a significant share of Canada’s residents. The federal government has also funded a wide range of settlement services for newcomers in 2024–2025 through programs designed to assist with integration.

For many immigrants, coming to Canada brings hopes of better living conditions and a more stable future. But the reality of the labour market does not always match these expectations.

⚠️ Underemployment, credential mismatch, and low income

One of the biggest challenges for immigrants is underemployment, meaning working in jobs that do not match their education or skill level. Several studies show that even highly educated immigrants often end up in lower-skilled jobs.

For example, recent reports indicate that, even with similar qualifications, immigrants earn less on average than Canadian-born workers. This gap stems from factors such as limited recognition of foreign credentials, the need for Canadian experience, and language proficiency challenges.

These financial and professional barriers push many newcomers to rethink their career plans. For a growing number, the solution is to return to school.

📚 Returning to school: a strategic way to increase employability

Why go back to school?

• Local recognition and credibility:
  Earning a Canadian credential gives newcomers legitimacy in the job market. Studies show that immigrants with Canadian education are significantly less likely to be underemployed than those with only foreign degrees.

• Stronger language skills and better understanding of the labour market:
  Studying in Canada improves English or French proficiency and helps newcomers understand local work culture, expectations, and job-hunting norms.

• Higher long-term income:
  Research shows that after about 10 years, immigrants who studied in Canada tend to earn more than those who did not.

• Retraining opportunities:
  For many, going back to school is an opportunity to switch careers, specialize in high-demand fields, or upgrade outdated skills.

Encouraging recent trends

The rise of newcomers studying in Canada is noticeable. Among economic-class immigrants, the proportion who studied in Canada rose from 6% to 38% between 2000 and 2019. This reflects how strongly the Canadian education system is perceived as a gateway to upward mobility.

🎓 Programs that support newcomer students

To help newcomers integrate academically and professionally, many institutions and organizations offer tailored programs.

For example, George Brown College in Toronto launched the ReNEW career readiness program for newcomers, funded through a partnership with Scotiabank. It includes English-language training and workforce-entry support.

Government-funded settlement services also provide newcomers with orientation, needs assessments, language training, and employment assistance, helping them build the foundation needed for long-term success.

These efforts show a strong national focus on helping newcomers overcome barriers and prepare for successful careers.

📉 Why going back to school is becoming almost necessary

1. A tougher job market, even for graduates

In 2025, the Canadian job market tightened significantly, with youth unemployment reaching higher levels and competition increasing in several sectors. For newcomers entering this environment, having only a foreign degree is often not enough. A Canadian credential gives them a competitive edge.

2. Foreign credentials are not always recognized

Many newcomers discover that their diplomas or professional qualifications are not fully recognized in Canada. This leads to working in low-paid or unrelated jobs. Returning to school becomes a way to bridge the recognition gap.

3. The need for reskilling or upskilling

Even for those with strong backgrounds, labour market requirements evolve. Back-to-school programs, whether short, specialized, or full-time, help immigrants align their skills with current job demands.

🤔 But it is not always easy: challenges and sacrifices

Returning to school requires sacrifices such as time, money, energy, and navigating cultural or linguistic barriers. Many newcomers juggle part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and coursework.

Even with a Canadian credential, success is not instantaneous. Building a network, gaining Canadian experience, and overcoming systemic barriers takes time.

Emotionally, newcomers may experience stress, pressure, and the feeling of constantly starting over.

✅ A long-term investment in a better future

Despite these challenges, going back to school in Canada is a pragmatic and often necessary strategy for many newcomers seeking higher income, professional recognition, and stability.

It provides stronger employability, access to higher-paying jobs, better long-term earnings, improved integration, and a pathway to career growth and security.

Recent studies confirm that combining a Canadian education with language development and local experience significantly increases newcomers’ chances of success.

For many new arrivals who come with hopes and ambitions, returning to school becomes more than a choice. It becomes a strategic investment in a better future for themselves and their families.