6 REASONS NOT TO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA

If you are planning to immigrate to Canada, you have probably done a lot of research about the country, and chances are you came across some reasons people say you should NOT move to Canada. Let us debunk some of those misconceptions, shall we?

1. There are no jobs in Canada, even for qualified people.

We know that positioning yourself in a different job market may seem challenging. Even if you are in a high position in your current job, once you move to Canada, you must adapt to your new environment and reinvent yourself in the Canadian Job Market, and that takes time. While it is very likely that you will find a job in your field, you must also keep in mind that it may not be the same position as you had in your home country, since you have yet to acquire experience in the Canadian job market. However, there are several opportunities for work in Canada, you just need to know where to look!

Even if your occupation is regulated in Canada (in that case, you would need to re-validate your credentials in order to work in the same exact field), that does not mean you can’t work in the area at all, it will just limit the positions you are allowed to take.

The hiring process in Canada can be a lot different than what you are used to in your home country. From the elaboration of resume and cover letters to how to behave during employment interviews, you must be ready to adapt to the Canadian job market.

If you want to work in Canada, our Career consultants can assist you with preparing your resume according to Canadian standards, boosting your LinkedIn profile, providing you coaching services through your job interviews and full support in your search until the acceptance of a job offer.

2. Canada is too cold.

First of all, the “perfect weather” is relative. Some people like hot and sunny places, others prefer the cozyness of winter. The good part? Canada has room for everyone! It is a huge country, and you can take your pick.

In Vancouver, for example, it’s rare to see inches of snow on the ground, even during winter. Vancouver winter is more on the rainy and cool side with January being the coldest month, with an average temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degree Celsius). Summers, on the other hand, can get quite warm (average of 72 degrees Fahrenheit – or 22 degrees Celsius), but not as humid as its eastern counterparts. During this time of the year, people from the city enjoy the nice weather to practice outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

Toronto weather is more similar to american cities like New York and Chicago, with four very defined seasons. In summertime, the hottest month is July with an average of 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Winter in Toronto is definitely colder than in Vancouver, with an average of 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 6 degrees Celsius). Torontonians definitely get their fair share of snow during this period – it’s great for skiing and snowboarding!

Don’t worry though – keep in mind that wherever you choose to live in Canada, we are very well equipped to deal with every weather condition.

3. It’s expensive to live in Canada.

We are not here to lie to you – no, it is not exactly cheap to live in big Canadian cities. But it’s all about perspective: yes, it can be pricey to live within big metropolitan areas, but if you are willing to live outside the city centre, you will find that you will be able to care for yourself just fine even if you do not have a high salary.

If you want to know more about the costs of living in Canada, check our previous posts about Toronto and Vancouver.

4. You will miss your family.

It is true, we cannot argue with this one. There’s no way around it: Leaving your country, your friends and family, is not an easy decision, but you have to remember why you are doing this in the first place – to get a better life, your dream life!

Besides, technology is a big help, we have Facebook, whatsapp, Instagram, to keep you in touch with your loved ones at all times. Besides, who said you can’t have visits once in a while?

5. Life is harder for an immigrant

You might miss your family and have to adapt to a new country and new rules, but the truth is Canada is made by immigrants – Vancouver and Toronto are among the most multicultural cities in the world, and according to a 2016 Census, more than 21% of the population in Canada are immigrants: That’s about 7,5 million people! On top of that, Canada also has more than 500 thousand temporary residents. And they continue to welcome newcomers of every race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Combine that with the welcoming environment Canadians are known for, and you will feel right at home in Canada!

6. Canada is way too liberal.

When we say Canada is welcoming, we mean it. You are free to be who you are, regardless of your race, gender, religion, sexual orientation… But one thing that still worries a lot of people, especially parents, is the cannabis legalization in Canada in October 2018 (making Canada the second country in the world to legalize its sale, possession and non-medical use by adults). However, keep in mind: The Cannabis Act has three main public health goals: to keep cannabis out of the hands of youth, to keep profits out of the pockets of criminals, and to protect public health and safety by allowing adults access to legal cannabis. So do not worry, Canadians may be liberal, but they are also very responsible!

What else have you heard about Canada?