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The Ties That Bind: Occupational Licensing and Migrants’ Labour Market Outcomes

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  • Kihwan Bae
  • Edward J. Timmons

Abstract

We examine how the limited portability of occupational licenses across states affects interstate migrants’ labour market outcomes. To address selection in migration, we focus on female spouses. First, we show that interstate migration is uncorrelated with their licensing status. Next, we show that the limited portability of occupational licenses has a negative employment effect on female spouse interstate migrants and reduces the likelihood that they continue the same occupation relative to their peers moving within a state. Our findings suggest occupational licensing barriers have negative implications on labour market activity and career development of female spouses who move across states.

Suggested Citation

  • Kihwan Bae & Edward J. Timmons, 2026. "The Ties That Bind: Occupational Licensing and Migrants’ Labour Market Outcomes," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 64(3), pages 635-658, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:brjirl:v:64:y:2026:i:3:p:635-658
    DOI: 10.1111/bjir.70070
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