Is Canada right for you?
In the modern world, individuals have the opportunity to select a country for residence and immigration. Countries around the globe are engaged in a competitive race to attract people with financial resources, innovative ideas, and valuable skills. They offer a diverse range of employment, residency, and immigration programs to entice potential immigrants.
Canada embarked on this journey quite some time ago and stands as one of the frontrunners in the implementation of well-thought-out programs designed to attract high-quality immigrants. This, undoubtedly, benefits Canada as a nation. However, what does this process look like from the perspective of an individual aspiring to immigrate to Canada?
In our view, Canada is indeed a remarkable country, although we must acknowledge our inherent bias on this matter.
Canada embarked on this journey quite some time ago and stands as one of the frontrunners in the implementation of well-thought-out programs designed to attract high-quality immigrants. This, undoubtedly, benefits Canada as a nation. However, what does this process look like from the perspective of an individual aspiring to immigrate to Canada?
In our view, Canada is indeed a remarkable country, although we must acknowledge our inherent bias on this matter.
Some objective advantages in favor of Canada:
- The country consistently ranks among the world's top nations with the highest standards of living and happiness. This is a socially-oriented state with a well-developed, stable democracy. In this regard, Canada is closer to Scandinavian countries.
- Canada ranks first in the world in terms of the education of its population - the result of a well-thought-out multi-year immigration program.
- Security and freedom are two key criteria in the modern world. For example, the United States is not as safe.
- Enormous support from the state upon arrival: unlike in the United States, where a person has to fend for themselves, Canada has established a system to integrate immigrants into life and the economy. Assistance in learning the language, finding employment, and starting a business
Of course, no one promises you a life of luxury, and you'll face many difficulties and challenges, much like when immigrating to any other country. However, the success of the Canadian immigrant assimilation system is supported by statistical data: on average, after ten years in the country, an immigrant earns more than the average Canadian.
Most likely, you will have to put aside some of your ambitions in the initial period as you adapt to Canadian culture and work on improving your English. You should be prepared for this. It may require sacrificing your career for the sake of immigration, but as practice shows, as soon as the adaptation period is over and/or you obtain permanent residency (PR), people usually find work in their field relatively quickly and regain their career positions or even start their own businesses.
It all depends on how open you are to new experiences. You'll have to study, work hard, and adapt. However, there's one significant advantage: in Canada, you don't start from scratch. In most cases, your education and experience are recognized. There are some professions that require additional training in Canada and/or passing special exams, such as medical professions, lawyers, accountants, and some others. But even here, there are many support programs available.
In general, if you are patient and willing to dedicate a few years of your life to settling in another country (the time to obtain PR varies from 1 year to 6 years), Canada can be an excellent choice. Some people succeed faster, while others take longer, but typically, after 5-6 years, newcomers in Canada have a well-established life.
Most likely, you will have to put aside some of your ambitions in the initial period as you adapt to Canadian culture and work on improving your English. You should be prepared for this. It may require sacrificing your career for the sake of immigration, but as practice shows, as soon as the adaptation period is over and/or you obtain permanent residency (PR), people usually find work in their field relatively quickly and regain their career positions or even start their own businesses.
It all depends on how open you are to new experiences. You'll have to study, work hard, and adapt. However, there's one significant advantage: in Canada, you don't start from scratch. In most cases, your education and experience are recognized. There are some professions that require additional training in Canada and/or passing special exams, such as medical professions, lawyers, accountants, and some others. But even here, there are many support programs available.
In general, if you are patient and willing to dedicate a few years of your life to settling in another country (the time to obtain PR varies from 1 year to 6 years), Canada can be an excellent choice. Some people succeed faster, while others take longer, but typically, after 5-6 years, newcomers in Canada have a well-established life.
Canada is for you if:
- You have a love for rules and easily adhere to them. Living in Canada means stopping at a STOP sign, even if you're alone on the road and no one is watching. Sorting waste, paying taxes, and more – there are plenty of laws and rules, both written and unwritten, but necessary to follow.
- You are tolerant and open to other cultures and expressions. In Canada, movements like BLM and LGBT+ are not just slogans; they are a way of life.
- You are ready not only to take but also to give. Serving the community is one of the fundamental cultural principles in Canada. Volunteering is a separate section in a Canadian resume, and its absence can be a reason for job rejection. Even when creating a business plan, it's suggested to consider providing pro bono services or finding other ways to help the community. Charitable activities are widespread here in various forms.
Canada is for you if:
- You want everything all at once.
- You plan to live on welfare. Canada is an expensive country, and welfare won't be sufficient. In general, such behavior is not encouraged. However, there are assistance programs for education, job search, and starting a business.
- You are not willing to pay high taxes. There are many taxes, and they can be quite substantial.
More info about the rules:
It happens that even Canadians try to game the system, and there is crime. But for the most part, Canada's residents abide by the rules and laws; this is what it all hinges on. So, don't be surprised if your neighbor complains about you if you've violated something.
In Canada, there's an unspoken principle that everyone defaults to acting with the best intentions and within the boundaries of the law/rules. If someone breaches something unintentionally (depending on the severity, of course), they are likely to understand and politely ask for rectification or correction.
A lot here is built on trust—when people take you at your word. For instance, no one asks for income verification when you approach a Food Bank (a charity providing food to those in need). During the pandemic, benefits were given to everyone who applied, although their eligibility was later verified. An insurance company might offer you car insurance at a low rate, assuming you're a responsible driver. Business relationships are built on reputation. The tax authorities don't harass with frequent audits, and so on.
All of this is possible because, for the most part, Canada's residents are aware of their responsibility and follow the laws and rules. They expect the same from newcomers.
We hope that we've helped you better understand Canada, and that it will make your decision easier
In Canada, there's an unspoken principle that everyone defaults to acting with the best intentions and within the boundaries of the law/rules. If someone breaches something unintentionally (depending on the severity, of course), they are likely to understand and politely ask for rectification or correction.
A lot here is built on trust—when people take you at your word. For instance, no one asks for income verification when you approach a Food Bank (a charity providing food to those in need). During the pandemic, benefits were given to everyone who applied, although their eligibility was later verified. An insurance company might offer you car insurance at a low rate, assuming you're a responsible driver. Business relationships are built on reputation. The tax authorities don't harass with frequent audits, and so on.
All of this is possible because, for the most part, Canada's residents are aware of their responsibility and follow the laws and rules. They expect the same from newcomers.
We hope that we've helped you better understand Canada, and that it will make your decision easier
Good luck!
