A Critical Analysis of the Use of Intersectionality Theory to Understand the Settlement and Integration Needs of Skilled Immigrants to Canada

Abstract

In recent years, Canada has experienced a massive influx of highly-educated immigrants. However, despite high education and skill levels, recent immigrants experience many obstacles to effective socioeconomic integration in the mainstream society. Perhaps, this is because there are complex factors behind the obstacles to successful settlement and integration of skilled immigrants. To remove or mitigate the obstacles, government agencies, immigrant serving organizations, funders, and activists advocate for social services and support that are more responsive to the specific needs of immigrant communities. In this paper, we examine how intersectionality can be used to understand the settlement and integration needs of skilled immigrants in Canada. Based on a review of selected academic literature on intersectionality framework, we offer insights into how intersectionality theory can be applied in immigration research to better understand the experiences of skilled immigrants and to identify their needs in the context of their settlement and integration in Canada.