Canada has long welcomed immigrants for their education, experience, and drive—but even with impressive resumes, many newcomers find themselves stuck in entry-level roles or outside their professional field. Why? One of the most common and under-addressed barriers is this: spoken English communication.
Even those who pass language tests or finish their college education often find that their speaking skills are not enough to succeed in the Canadian workplace.
Recent studies and consultations point to a consistent issue: while many immigrants have the technical knowledge and written proficiency needed for work, it’s their oral communication skills—such as pronunciation, fluency, and confidence in conversation—that limit their ability to fully participate and advance in their careers.
Here’s what the research shows:
According to a 2023 study published in International Migration, newcomers in Saskatchewan frequently cited English proficiency—not education or motivation—as their primary employment barrier. Even when candidates were highly qualified, the ability to communicate clearly in spoken English played a decisive role in hiring decisions.
Source: Wiley Online Library – International Migration
Employment and Social Development Canada reports that even immigrants with high Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores struggle to adapt in real-life work situations. Issues like unfamiliar idioms, fast-paced conversations, and accent bias all come into play.
Source: Canada.ca – Consultation on Employment Challenges
Research from the Journal of International Migration and Integration found that in customer-facing or team-based jobs, communication breakdowns often occur. These aren’t usually due to lack of effort—but rather due to nervousness, unclear pronunciation, or limited fluency under pressure.
One overlooked consequence of communication struggles is the emotional toll it takes. Many immigrants report feeling isolated or anxious when they can’t express themselves fully. This sense of being “left out” impacts mental health and long-term settlement.
Source: ResearchGate – Transitioning into the Canadian Workplace
At Second Nature English, we help newcomers go beyond the basics. Our goal is not just to teach English—but to empower professionals to speak naturally, confidently, and effectively in Canadian workplaces.
Our memberships are designed to support professionals, employment agencies, and workforce development organizations in delivering the missing link in their speaking skills:
When speaking English feels natural, opportunities open up. Let’s help newcomers reach their full potential—not just on paper, but in the real world.
📩 Contact us today to learn how we can partner with your organization.
