WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT IMMIGRATION

Often we get carried away by dreams of a fairy tale life in the developed world. Many people do not research to find out what life may be like for them in the USA, Canada, Australia, Britain, especially as newcomers. It is a different ball game if you knew that with your PhD you may be a cab driver while trying to get your credentials assessed or getting ready to write a professional examination to get certified to work in your field. If you knew what challenges you would face and still decide to leave your successful career and comfortable lifestyle to come to Canada, then it’s your choice and you are prepared to face the challenges ahead. Unfortunately, some people do not know these things and so are caught unawares.

The good news is that the Canadian government is working to reform the immigration process in order to minimize situations where successful professionals come to Canada and can only work in areas that don’t even require a high school diploma.

I don’t think the situation will change radically very soon in spite of the changes being implemented. I still think that the knowledge you have and your level of preparedness to face whatever challenges come your way would make all the difference. If a university professor knew he might work in a bakery or as a dish washer or cleaner or cab driver for some time; if he still decides to sacrifice the ‘good’ life he had in his home country for reasons (such as doing it for the kids), then he would cope better when confronted with tough situations. Defeat, depression, regret would not be options.

I like to tell people that I burned my bridges when coming to Canada. There is no going back – it’s not even an option. The thought never crossed my mind, not even when I was in the darkest place. I believed that someday, someway light would shine through the tunnel and warm my cold body. It was exhausting and painful but it gets better by the day. For some, the transition to better living is fast but for others it takes longer. Just being able to hang in there is the key to survival and ultimate success.

One thing is certain: change will come; and for the better. But first, you need to be sure what you’re getting yourself into.

HAPPY SUNDAY FRIENDS! Hope you have a great week!

Should I hire an immigration agent?

This is a question most people ask themselves sometime before and/or during their immigration application.

It is common knowledge that many people spend unbelievable amount of money on agent fees. They hire agents - some dubious - who promise to do the impossible: get their immigration application to Canada approved fast, find them jobs immediately and get them to Canada without waste of time or simply to complete the application forms correctly.

Speaking from experience, I'd like to assure you that the forms and instructions are straight-forward. You can fill them out yourself. I did for me and my family and we are now permanent residents in Canada. And did I mention that hiring an agent never crossed our minds? It didn't. We were saving all our money for the move to Canada. It is clearly stated on the CIC website that hiring an agent is your choice but it will not influence the processing time. Each application is queued once received. It is an orderly and fair process. You are made aware of possible errors that can disqualify or delay your application. All you need do is carefully and patiently complete the forms (lots of forms :); I know!). Then go over them a couple of times to be sure there are no mistakes.

What do I think about using an agent? You already know from the preceding paragraph. If, however, you are convinced of the need to employ the services of an immigration agent and you can afford it, be sure to hire one with integrity. There are many agents in good standing and there are many fraudulent ones as well.

Good luck on your quest to immigrate to Canada. It is one of the few best places on earth. The effort and wait that go into the whole process are absolutely worth it!