The occupational outcomes of provincial nominees

This article examines the occupational outcomes of recent provincial nominees (PNs) who obtained permanent residence in Canada one to five years prior to the 2021 Census. Recent PNs—including principal applicants (PAs), spouses and dependants—were less likely to be employed in technical and skilled trades jobs and more likely to work in lower-skilled or labourer jobs than Canadian-born workers. Both groups were equally likely to hold professional jobs. At a more detailed level, PNs were significantly more likely to be employed as computer and information systems professionals and less likely to work in nursing, other professional health occupations and skilled trades compared with Canadian-born workers. There was significant variation by province. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and British Columbia were more likely to select PAs who worked in professional jobs than other provinces. Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta had a greater percentage of PN PAs in lower-skilled and labourer jobs than other provinces. At the aggregate level, there was little occupational mobility among PN PAs. The occupations they held 10 to 15 years after admission closely resembled those held during their first 5 years in Canada. However, there was a substantial cross-cohort change in occupational patterns. In 2021, recent PN PAs were significantly more likely to be employed in higher-skilled occupations—particularly as computer and information systems professionals—and less likely to be in medium-skilled occupations—especially the skilled trades—compared with their counterparts in 2011.