How to overcome challenges as a newcomer in Canada?

Manmeet Kaur
[Published 13 May, 2024 | 05:24 PM]
About Author - 7 min read
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The first challenge when applying for Canada PR from India is to leave your home and loved ones behind. While you are coming to terms with it, you face new challenges of moving to a new, completely different country.

From finding a suitable home to overcoming the language barrier, and fighting isolation, newcomers in Canada have to tackle different challenges. We understand that and thus, have listed out the top 5 hardships you may or may not have to face when arriving in Canada and how to deal with them.

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5 Challenges New Immigrants Face in Canada & How to Deal with Them

• Finding a Suitable Place to Settle

When an immigrant moves to Canada, the first thing they do is find a place to stay. While some get it easily, others find it hard to find a good place to settle with or without family. Rental properties are in high demand across Canada, which makes it harder to find a home.

How to deal with it:

There are several websites to find accommodation in Canada, including Zumper, PadMapper, and Realter.ca. Further, you can check out the classified section of the local newspaper or online classified listings. There are also bulletin boards in grocery stores, laundromats, community centers, and libraries.

Another way is to connect with the best immigration consultant, who can help find a place in Canada. If not, a quick web search of services offered in your area can help you. Try Compass to Connect - a government-funded website, helpful in searching for settlement services across Canada.

• Overcoming Language Barrier

Language again can be a hurdle when you first move to Canada from India. You may find it difficult to understand English or French, especially at the workplace, even though you have cleared the language proficiency test as part of your PR application. The accent makes it hard to get a grasp of the spoken language.

Canadian employers prefer candidates who are fluent in either one of the official Canadian languages, and it is one of the important requirements in a job description.

How to deal with it:

The Canadian government offer language training services - aiming to tackle all types of language needs, whether it’s general training, job-specific training, or more. To improve your language skills as a PR or protected person, you may be eligible to enrol in these classes: Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC).

• Looking for employment

As an immigrant, you have to face obstacles to having your credentials assessed and finding meaningful work. That said, Canada has over 20 million people actively working in the Canadian labour force, and immigrants make up 25% of workers in Canada.

How to deal with it:

The best way to find a job in Canada is by growing your network. This will help you gain access to more job opportunities that may otherwise not be publicly advertised. LinkedIn is an easy way to form new connections with professionals, and hiring managers, and explore new job openings. Do connect to experts in your field of work to discuss and ask questions to find tips and tricks to get started in your professional journey.

Explore employment-related services offered by many Canadian settlement programs - to help you find a job but also with resume preparation, mock interviews, and networking events. Of those who take these services, 78% of them find their way into the Canadian labour market.

• Adjusting to the cold, snow and ice

There are no second thoughts in saying that Canada is among the coldest nations in the world. And many newcomers find it extremely difficult to get used to the icy weather. Winters are hard, with heavy snowfall occurring in some regions. In addition, the cold and shorter days make it challenging to go out and stay active.

How to deal with it:

It is highly recommended to newcomers to purchase winter clothing in Canada such as jackets, coats, gloves, hats, scarves, thermal wear, insulated jackets, and waterproof boots. To prevent getting sick, take proactive measures like getting a flu shot. It is the best way to fight against the flu and is recommended for almost everyone above six months of age.

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• Fighting Isolation

When you immigrate to a new country, the environment is new, people are new, culture is changed, and so much more. Between all of this, you may feel isolated and sometimes, lonely. Every immigrant takes time to adjust to your new surroundings, so you are not alone.

How to deal with it:

Canada is a diverse country with many Indians, so might find a home away from home. You can connect with people from different parts of the world and learn about their culture, a great way to deal with isolation.

The country also offers settlement services, helping immigrants settle with ease. A survey of 2021 states that about 61% of newcomers who opted for settlement services found it easier to blend into Canadian society and meet new people whom they are now close friends with. Further, about 92% of immigrants agreed that their community was welcoming, with 90% having a strong sense of belonging to Canada.

If you wish to immigrate to Canada from India, connect with experts at Nationwide Visas, one of the best Canada immigration consultants in Delhi. From finding jobs to affordable housing, and more, the team will assist you from the start till the time you land and settle in Canada safely.

Get a free consultation session and determine the best option to apply for your situation.

Call us@ +91 92 92 92 92 81 or email us at info@nationwidevisas.com

Start your process today!

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