Research and Reports
WES conducts original research on trends in student and immigrant mobility, economic inclusion, and factors that affect the ability of immigrant and refugees to successfully integrate into the workforce. We also regularly publish reports, white papers, fact sheets, and policy recommendations based on decades of knowledge and experience.
Expanding Pathways to Licensure for Internationally Trained Physicians in Ontario: How to Get There and Why It Matters
| Canada
This policy brief examines the investments required and benefits to be realized by implementing three measures that can improve access to care, equity, and sustainability within Ontario’s health care workforce.
#UntappedTalent: Inclusive Economies for All
| United States
The IMPRINT Coalition’s #UntappedTalent campaign advances policies that are inclusive of all workers and open pathway so that everyone has a fair chance of reaching their educational and career goals. Learn more about the campaign and how to get involved.
Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act
| United States
The bipartisan Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act, H.R. 6715/S. 3157, makes progress toward strengthening our workforce and promotes the economic mobility of internationally trained immigrants and refugees. Learn more about how this bill seeks to address the barriers impacting immigrants and refugees as they rebuild their careers in the U.S.
Advancing an Inclusive Economic Recovery: Top Five Policy Priorities for 2022
| United States
Federal, state, and local policymakers have the opportunity to prioritize efforts to ensure that immigrants, refugees, and international students can achieve their educational and career goals in the U.S. Read more about WES’ five policy priorities for 2022.
Addressing the Underutilization of Internationally Educated Health Professionals in Canada: What the Data Does and Doesn’t Tell Us
| Canada
This policy brief can help researchers and policymakers understand the extent of skill underutilization of IEHPs, the scope and the limitations of existing data, and where improvements can be most impactful.
Supporting Immigrants and Refugees through Connector Program Models
| United States
Connector Programs focused on supporting the economic integration of immigrants and refugees started in Halifax, Nova Scotia more than a decade ago. Created as a unique workforce development initiative, this model supports immigrants and refugees in building their professional networks in the United States.
One Year Later: Canada’s Enduring Appeal to Prospective Immigrants in the Face of COVID-19
| Canada
This new research report compares findings from surveys of prospective immigrants distributed in August 2020 and August 2021. It reveals the extent to which people are still interested in immigrating to Canada and key factors influencing their interest.
Recognizing the Role of Internationally Trained Health Workers Beyond Covid-19
| United States
In response to the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic, governors in six states issued executive orders that allowed internationally trained immigrant and refugee health workers to pursue temporary licensure and practice. Read more about these policies and how they highlight the need for permanent policy solutions that address the barriers to employment that internationally trained […]
Impact of COVID-19 on the Economic Well-Being of Recent Migrants to Canada
| Canada
This research report examines the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on permanent residents, temporary foreign workers, and international students in Canada. The results are based on surveys distributed in April, June, and August of 2020 to applicants who received a WES credential evaluation and resided in Canada. Nearly 5,000 responses were included in the analysis.
Trend Report: Canada’s Appeal to Prospective Immigrants in the Face of COVID-19
| Canada
This report looks at trends from all three survey rounds (April, June, and August of 2020) and is based on the responses of more than 27,000 respondents who resided outside of Canada at the time of the surveys. Gain insight into how interest and intentions to immigrate to Canada are changing over time as the pandemic unfolds.
Hosting a Refugee Hiring Event: A Guide to Coordinating a Collaborative Response to an Employment Imperative
| Canada
This practical guide summarizes key lessons from the Toronto Refugee Hiring Event and provides communities across Canada with a blueprint for hosting similar events to maximize matching refugees with hiring employers.
Are Intentions to Immigrate to Canada Changing in the Face of COVID-19?
| Canada
To understand the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prospective immigrants to Canada, WES Research conducted a survey of applicants for a WES Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes. The report is based on the responses of 4,615 individuals residing outside of Canada and provides insight into how the pandemic is affecting their […]