When I told my grandfather I was accepted into my PhD program, he disappeared into the basement and returned with a worn black briefcase. Inside was a letter from Ontario’s Ministry of Education dated 1974.

The letter acknowledged that he held a Bachelor of Science in Radio and Electronics Engineering from the Philippines. But it also concluded that his education was equivalent only to Ontario’s now-defunct Grade 13.

He kept that letter for more than 50 years.

Canada has long relied on highly educated immigrants to build its workforce. Yet many internationally educated professionals, like my grandfather 52 years ago, continue to face barriers to having their qualifications recognized.

Research shows that immigrants selected because of their education and skills are often unable to find work that matches their qualifications as foreign credentials continue to be undervalued in the Canadian labour market.

Read more: Canadian immigrants are overqualified and underemployed — reforms must address this

Filipino migration to Canada

As Canada’s demand for skilled workers grew, the country increasingly recruited internationally educated professionals to fill labour shortages. In 1967, Canada began reshaping its immigration regime through a points-based system, which assessed applicants according to characteristics like education, language ability and work experience.

The system also contributed to a........

© The Conversation