Immigrating to another country, even if you don’t plan to stay there permanently, is a huge decision that should come along with a lot of careful planning. Fortunately, the Canadian Government offers a straightforward, step-by-step process for those ready to start.
However, you must consider the immigration challenges and opportunities of the country! If you are ready to immigrate to Canada, read this article.
We have outlined some immigration challenges and opportunities that can arise when relocating to Canada. You will also get an idea of what you will face during your immigration journey.
Canadian Immigration Challenges
1. The Difficulty of Finding a Job in Canada
The most significant challenge for most people who move to Canada is finding employment opportunities that match their skills and experience. There is a robust demand for skilled workers all across Canada.
However, there are only sometimes enough applicants with the right qualifications or experience. This can be frustrating and discouraging, leaving many people feeling disillusioned during their immigration process.
It is much easier to settle in Canada if you can use your existing knowledge and skills there. However, it can be challenging when overseas qualifications have different credibility in Canada.
2. The Language Barrier
English or French is required for most Canadian jobs. It can be one of the main requirements for a job description.
In some cases, you will have to do an official equivalency assessment, where they compare your education from your home country with that from Canada to see whether they are at least equivalent.
For some reasons, this can take several months to complete and sometimes doesn’t work out favorably for applicants hoping to immigrate to Canada.
3. Social Benefits
Canada has a very different system when it comes to healthcare, education, and even social assistance compared with other countries. For instance, Canada offers free healthcare through the Canadian National Healthcare Service.
However, people who have moved to Canada can take advantage of these services with a Canadian work visa or citizenship.
There could also be problems accessing particular public services if you move from one province in Canada to another. This may be due to the different rules for immigration status and residency requirements.
In addition, undocumented immigrants are unable to receive welfare funds from the government. As such, many newly arrived migrants struggle with Canada and can’t afford necessities.
4. Getting an Affordable Housing in Canada
One of the most significant Canadian immigration challenges faced by those who relocate to Canada is finding suitable accommodation.
There is a lot of demand for rental properties across Canada, but only some places where people can access them without Canadian citizenship or work permits.
Due to their immigration status, it can also take some time for a foreigner to receive social assistance from the government.
Therefore, it is difficult for migrants to cover their living costs until they find employment or another source of income.
As such, many cannot even afford basic essentials like food and heating during this period, which can make life very difficult for them.
5. Overcoming Homesickness for One’s Home Country
There is nothing quite like the Canadian immigration process, and Canada can be very different from your home country.
Overcoming homesickness can take time and effort and leave many people feeling isolated from their family and friends.
6. Obtaining a Canadian Driver’s License and Car Insurance
To obtain a Canadian driver’s license, which is necessary for driving around Canada, you need to be at least 16 years old.
Even if you have an existing European permit, this will only translate into something other than a Canadian one. Instead, you will have to do a full test.
Similarly, owning a car is only sometimes accessible with Canadian citizenship or permanent residency since vehicles are costly in Canada, and Canadian insurance is required for all cars on the road.
Additionally, Canadian roads can be very different from home in terms of driving style, and it can take a while to become fully accustomed to this.
7. Adapting to the Cold, Snow, and Ice
Canada’s climate can be diverse compared to many other countries. It can be freezing in the winter, with heavy snowfall in some parts of the country.
A crucial tip that would benefit many newcomers to Canada is purchasing appropriately warm clothing for the winter and snow. These include hats, gloves, scarves, thermal layers (socks, shirts), insulated jackets, and waterproof boots.
During Canada’s winter months, the cold and short days mean getting out and staying fit is more challenging. It also means cold and flu season.
You can take a few proactive measures to avoid getting sick, including getting a flu shot. The flu shot is the best defense against the flu and is recommended for almost everyone over six months of age.
Canadian Immigration Opportunities
1. Stable and Progressive Environment
One of the opportunities for immigrants to Canada is that it’s a very stable and progressive country. The country’s political system is based on democratic principles, respect for the rule of law, and peaceful transitions of power.
The Canadian government is known for its progressive social policies, such as advocacy for feminism, environmental policies, and ambitious immigration targets.
Of course, this isn’t to say that Canada’s political system is perfect. And you may well disagree with some of the country’s policies.
But, at the very least, Canada provides a reassuring environment for residents seeking a reliable governance and civic engagement framework.
2. Excellent Education
Until recently, Canada was the most educated country in the world, now only surpassed by South Korea!
As such, Canada has an excellent education system with fantastic public and private schools and some of the world’s best higher education and research facilities.
Because of this, Canada has become one of the most popular destinations for international students.
For families, a considerable opportunity to live in Canada is that the government subsidizes the public school system from kindergarten to high school.
This means that there’s free education for citizens and permanent residents up to the age of 18!
3. High Quality of Life
Canada’s financial strength, safe and stable environment, excellent education and employment opportunities, easy access to public services, nature, and much more contribute to its very high standard of living.
This is, of course, one of the main draws to living in Canada! In fact, Canada consistently ranks near the top of the list of countries with the best quality of life worldwide.
These rankings are determined based on safety, economic and political stability, affordability, healthcare, education, pollution, and climate.
While finding your feet when you first arrive in Canada can take time, make sure to put this on track. Once you settle into a community and secure a job, you’ll quickly start enjoying the Canadian quality of life.
4. Four Distinct Seasons
Although Canada does get cold, one of the best things about living here is having different seasons. The country is fortunate to experience four seasons, each with something special to look forward to!
Summer in Canada can be long, warm days with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Fall brings milder temperatures and vibrant autumn foliage, making it one of Canada’s absolute best times of year.
In winter, the country transforms into a white wonderland, with lots of fun cold-weather activities like skiing and ice skating.
And spring is always exciting as the days get longer and the landscapes return to life. Although having four seasons might not sound extraordinary, you’ll find it elsewhere.
5. Diverse Landscapes
On top of being a beautiful country, another thing that’s so great about living in Canada is the diversity of the landscapes. And you might only be aware of some of the different landscapes you’ll encounter in Canada.
There are substantial mountain ranges with dramatic peaks, impressive glaciers, more than two million lakes, pristine beaches, and awe-inspiring fjords.
Lush rain forests, picturesque wine regions, endless prairies, and even desert-like regions exist! So, no matter what type of surroundings you prefer, a region in Canada will be guaranteed to suit you.
6. Proximity to Other Countries
Canada might not be within as easy reach of other countries as most European countries are, but it is close to some fabulous places. It is also exceptionally well connected to the rest of the world, which makes it a convenient country to live in and travel to.
Canada borders the U.S., so you can drive to visit your neighbors to the south. And it’s only a short flight to unique tropical destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean!
If you prefer a European vacation, you can be in most European countries on an 8-hour flight. Direct flights are from Canada to South America, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Conclusion
Immigrating to Canada to visit, study, or work is a great decision, but you must consider all the challenges and opportunities before embarking on the journey. All the best!