Immigration Corner | How to Succeed as an Immigrant in Canada

Dear Ms. Powell,

I was doing some research about Canada and came across your articles which I find very informative. However, one of the things I’ve noticed is that a lot of people who leave here end up disappointed and frustrated, and I’ve seen a lot of people come back home after a few months. This is an important step for me and my family, so I want to make sure we succeed there. What can we do to ensure we are successful in Canada? Thank you in advance for choosing my question for yours gleaners Article.

B.M

Dear BM,

There is no magic formula to be successful in Canada or any other country. However, if you’re one of the lucky ones to gain permanent residency status in Canada, I can offer you a few tips on how to make the most of the opportunity.

First, you and your family need to make sure you have enough “settlement funds” or living expenses for at least three months while you try to settle in your new community. This amount depends on the neighborhood and whether you have family or friends who can help you with accommodation until you settle in. (Word of caution – don’t expect this generosity to be limitless and unlimited). If you rent a furnished apartment, you should research the rental costs in your desired area.

DOCUMENTS

If you have chosen Canada as your new home, you should check whether your job allows you to start your career immediately based on your international training or whether you need to return to school for further qualifications.

Professionals such as lawyers, doctors, accountants, pharmacists must have their qualifications assessed by a licensing authority and in some cases there may be a state requirement. I strongly recommend that you apply for a credential review at least a year before you expect to arrive in Canada so that you can make the necessary arrangements or at least be financially and mentally prepared for the cost of pursuing these accreditations.

Some of the documents you should take in your carry-on baggage for you and each family member, including your children if applicable, are: diplomas, letters of recommendation, degrees/certificates, proof of awards and writing samples. These documents must be originals and if these documents are not in English or French, you must obtain certified translations.

RESEARCH

Do you know the saying: “It is good to learn from your mistakes. It’s better to learn from the mistakes of others”? The same principle applies to this situation. As you have done here, reach out to others who have already been through the process and ask questions. Those who are successful will not mind responding.

When you reach out to others, ask them about their community, welcome center, employment centers, schools, rental costs, worship centers, volunteering, and activities that will help you integrate quickly. Knowing the right places to go can save you time and money. You need to do extensive research about Canada – the different provinces and municipalities. Luckily, the internet is full of resources and information about the different communities.

Once you have been approved or granted permanent residency status, the Government of Canada will provide you with online pre-arrival resources. Use it. This is your chance to learn about the neighborhood, the school system, banking, and tips on how to create your resume and cover letter the “Canadian” way. Once you land in Canada, make an appointment with your nearest Newcomer Center as they will provide you with valuable information to help you settle into the community. Your next stop should be Service Canada and your provincial office to obtain a Social Security Number (SIN), health card, and driver’s license or provincial photo card.

If you gravitate towards a particular community, examine the neighborhoods and school zones. Most Canadian schools require a child to attend the school in the neighborhood where you live or in the school area. Because of this, many parents seek their school of choice and then a neighborhood home within their child’s school zone.

FIND A JOB

As a newcomer you need to be flexible and humble but ambitious. I say flexible and humble because most people who come to Canada are often professionals or supervisors or managers in their home country. However, it is not easy to expect to get a job at the same level immediately after landing in Canada. In fact, many successful professionals will tell you it takes months or even years to achieve a similar position.

My advice to you is take the first job you can get. It doesn’t matter whether you drive as a saleswoman at Walmart, Amazon, Uber or work as a waitress. The key is to start somewhere. It’s easier to find a job when you’re working than when you’re cooped up at home. You just have to be out there, meet new people and keep your morale strong. Begin and be aware of the end. By moving around in society, meeting and talking to new people, you will discover many new opportunities. Never underestimate the value of humble beginnings.

If you can’t find a job while continuing your job search, volunteer with the organization you want to work for or wherever they accept volunteers. If you start at the bottom, your attitude and skill will shine through. From humble beginnings you will develop friendships, resilience and an open mind to opportunity. In time you will realize that Canada is a land of opportunity and one opportunity can lead you to the next. It’s your can-do attitude that will help you succeed in Canada.

Finally, plan to dress warmly during the winter months. There is no such thing as bad weather, only people who dress badly. You don’t have to do without the cultural events and food from your home country. There are many cultural organizations and international grocery stores or aisles in ordinary supermarkets. If not, this could be a business idea for you to open such a shop in the community where you are settling. My last piece of advice – if you succeed, remember to help someone else.

Deidre S. Powell is an attorney, mediator and notary in Canada. Send your questions and via www.deidrepowell.com. You can also request your personal consultation via Zoom/Teams/Skype or WhatsApp by email [email protected]

Source: jamaica-gleaner.com