Is Life in Canada Hard for Immigrants?

Most people choose to immigrate because they want a better life for themselves and their loved ones. You should be applauded for that if you are one of those people. However, we always hear the naysayers in our ears: the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Sometimes they are right, but ninety-nine percent of the time, it's our fault when things don't turn out the way we want, and we decide to give up and head back to where we came from. 

The truth is, when you arrive in Canada, the grass will be green under your feet. It will also be short. But the Canadian ground is fertile, and as long as you water the grass under your feet, it will grow around you, and all your hopes and dreams will become a reality. Life in Canada, like with anything, will see starting to be a little tough. But as you become more familiar with the people, the country, and the culture, hardships will begin to ease, and you will start to settle into your new home country without even realizing it.

Is Life in Canada Hard for Immigrants?

The short answer? No. It depends on what you classify as hard. It may depend on your skills/expertise and how transferable they are. What we can say is that there is a bounty of employment opportunities, a very fair minimum wage rate of $13 an hour, and good public transport. Let's consider a few scenarios. Perhaps one may apply to you in one way or another:

Professionals and Skilled Tradesmen

For people in management, skills are fairly easily transferable. Your ability to get a job offer and slip comfortably into Canadian life will depend largely on your attitude, qualifications, and experience. If you have job-specific training, such as a doctor, nurse, architect, or welder, you may need to jump over a few hurdles before practicing in your trained vocation. Doctors and nurses have to take qualifying tests, while professionals such as engineers, architects, and tradespeople need only register with the provincial and national regulatory body that governs their profession.

Semi-Skilled Workers

Prospects for semi-skilled workers are excellent in Canada. Many positions give on-the-job training, pay above minimum wage, and offer great working hours, so if you would like to advance, you will have ample opportunity to study to do so. It is also very much possible to become a permanent resident of Canada in a semi-skilled occupation. There are numerous semi-skilled positions that Canada is struggling to fill, such as

• Truck drivers
• Butchers, cooks, and bakers
• Food and beverage servers
• Nurse aides and orderlies
• Farm workers

Students & Young People Entering the Workforce

One of the best ways to integrate into Canadian society is to study and go on to work in Canada. Employers don't typically require a labour market impact assessment to hire foreigners who have graduated from Canadian post-secondary schools. Graduates from one of Canada's 1,545 designated learning institutions are eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) and a three-year working visa. You can also work part-time jobs in Canada on a student visa (full-time students).

Adapting to Life in Canada

Sometimes people find it tough to adapt to a new culture. It may help to join expat groups if they are available in your area when arriving in Canada.

Your language ability will also make the transition much easier, depending on your proficiency in either English or French. Assimilating into Canada will be much easier if you can communicate effectively with your fellow Canadians. 21% of Canadians are immigrants and identify as a minority, and in urban areas such as Vancouver and Toronto, this statistic climbs as high as 50%.

The most important thing to remember is preparation is everything. One of the requirements when applying for proof of residency from outside of Canada is proof of funds. When you arrive in Canada, you will need to rent an apartment. Providing the landlord with proof you can meet the monthly rental is important. Keeping yourself and the loved ones that may accompany you afloat is equally important.

Remember: Attitude is everything. It will always be the same if you ask any successful immigrant their story. They kept a positive attitude, and they paid their dues. They will also tell you of immigrants they met who had negative attitudes, and who never seemed to find their feet. You may be required to humble yourself somewhat in the short term, but at the end of the day, starting a new life in Canada will be the greatest choice you ever make.

How We Can Help You

By using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) you will not only improve your chances of success in the visa application process, but you will get expert advice on which program is best for your specific needs. Our RCICs are highly qualified and are granted permission by the ICCRC to assist you with your eligibility evaluation, review all your documents and application forms, and submit them to the Canadian government for you. Why take the chance of having your application denied because your forms are incorrect or sent in too late?

When you apply for your Canadian work permit and eventually permanent residency with our services you essentially remove all the stress and complications from the immigration process, and as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can rest assured that your application is in good hands.

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