The Use of Advanced Digital Technologies for Job Search by Newcomers to Canada
Project Lead
Team Members
Ashika Niraula (Affiliated Researcher), Maninder Kaur (Research Assistant), Husnain Mirza (Research Assistant), Akhila Varghese (Research Assistant)
Sub-Theme: Transforming Immigrant Employment Pathways
The interrelated projects under this sub-theme each examine a different dimension of how ADTs, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence, are transforming immigrant employment pathways in Canada.
Objective
This project investigates the potential of Advanced Digital Technologies (ADTs) to mitigate or shorten periods of unemployment and underemployment among skilled immigrants in Canada. By conducting in-depth interviews with newcomer immigrants and stakeholders, this project explores how digital tools are utilized in job searches and professional networking and assesses their effectiveness in improving access to employment opportunities. Also, it critically examines the uneven access to digital tools, commonly referred to as the digital divide, which may limit the potential benefits of ADTs for certain immigrant groups, including those with lower digital literacy, limited language skills, or restricted internet access.
Research Questions
- How do newcomer immigrants engage with digital platforms and social media during their job search processes?
- What are the perceived impacts of ADTs, particularly social media, on newcomers’ employment outcomes and on employers’ recruitment practices when hiring immigrants?
- How does access to digital tools differ across various groups of immigrants, and what barriers limit their effective use?
- In what ways does social media shape labour market integration both before migration and after settlement?
Methodology
The study employs a qualitative research design, conducting 280 in-depth interviews with two groups: (1) 140 newcomers who arrived in Canada as skilled workers or professionals, and (2) 140 migrants transitioning to permanent residency through a two-step migration pathway. Additionally, 20 interviews will be conducted with key stakeholders, including employers, settlement agencies, and policymakers.
Thematic analysis will be guided by social capital theory and an intersectionality framework to develop a comprehensive understanding of how structural and social dynamics shape newcomers’ access to and experiences within the Canadian labour market.
Status
Ethics approval has been secured. Interviews are currently underway, with transcription in progress. Data collection and preliminary analysis are expected to be completed by December 2025.
Expected completion date: Winter 2027
Keywords
Skilled immigrants; Digital job search tools; Digital divide; Digital social capital; Intersectionality; Credential recognition; Qualitative research
