Challenges That Immigrants Face In Canada & How To Overcome Them

For newcomers to Canada, moving to a replacement country presents a wealth of exciting opportunities. However, it also can bring its justifiable share of challenges. For one, obtaining employment that matches one’s skills and knowledge is often an intimidating and challenging task. This might be an impossible hurdle in starting one’s professional career and life in a new country.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 aims to welcome over 460,000 new immigrants annually, which is that the highest level in Canadian history.Upon arrival, newcomers must settle into their new homes and should experience some challenges adjusting to Canada and their new lives within the country.

Moving to a replacement country is often both exciting and nerve-wracking. While there are several perks to living in Canada, like its diverse culture and friendly locals, there also are several challenges that newcomers face when trying to settle in. One among the most important challenges that immigrants face is finding employment in Canada. 

Most employers in Canada prefer candidates with Canadian work experience and are considered to be more conversant in the workplace culture here.This article will outline common challenges many newcomers face when settling in Canada and supply some information and advice on the way to overcome these challenges.

Here Are The Common Canadian Immigration Challenges and the way to beat Them:

1. Language Barrier

English and French are the official languages in Canada. Many newcomers may have trouble communicating in one among these languages. Furthermore, many employment in Canada require English or French, with either language being one of the key qualifications in a job description.

To improve language ability in English or French, newcomers should cash in on the language training services available to them. These services aim to deal with all newcomer’s sorts of language needs, including general language training, study assistance for language assessments (like those needed for immigration purposes), job-specific language training and more.

If you’re a permanent resident or protected person, you’ll take language classes funded by the Canadian government. 

These classes are called:

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC)

2. Finding affordable housing

As a newcomer to Canada, one among the primary belongings you will have to do is locate an area for you and your family to call home. Most newcomers look to rent a home upon first moving to Canada. Many newcomers may struggle to seek out suitable housing in Canada, as rental properties are in high demand across the country.

However, there are many websites and resources to to seem for housing options, including:

Websites like Zumper, PadMapper and Realtor.ca

The classified section of the local newspaper, or online classified listings

Bulletin boards in grocery stores, libraries, laundromats, community centers, etc.

In addition, newcomers should contact their local immigrant settlement agency. Many immigrant settlement agencies offer housing-related services, like help finding an area to measure and understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

3. Isolation

Being during a new culture, faraway from home, family and friends can cause isolation and loneliness. It’ll take time to adjust to a replacement environment and feel comfortable.However, Canada features a very diverse population and most large cities are home to communities from other countries. 

These communities are great for newcomers, as they will help to affect isolation and support the newcomer’s adjustment to their new home.There are settlement services which will connect newcomers to communities in their area.

In 2021, IRCC conducted the primary study into newcomer outcomes through settlement programs. They found that 61% of newcomers who availed community connection settlement services felt that those services helped them meet people they now concede to be close friends. 

4. Finding employment

Finding employment in Canada as a newcomer is often challenging, as they’ll encounter obstacles to having their credentials recognized and finding meaningful Canadian work.

However, Canada’s labor pool has over 20 million people, and newcomers account for a growing share of the labor pool. In fact, landed immigrants structure over 25 per cent of workers in Canada.

One helpful tool has a robust network in Canada to realize access to employment opportunities which will not be publicly advertised. Newcomers should consider creating a web professional profile, like on LinkedIn, which is widely utilized in Canada. This enables the user to showcase their work experience and skills, facilitate connections with new contacts and access job opportunities.

Many Canadian settlement programs offer employment related services, most ordinarily to assist with finding employment but also with resume preparation, mock interviews, and networking events. especially, among those that received employment-related services, 78% credited settlement services for equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and connections crucial for fulfillment  within the Canadian market.

5. Adapting to the cold, snow and ice

When compared to several other countries, Canada’s climate is often quite diverse. During the winter, Canada’s climate is often extremely cold, with heavy snowfall in some parts of the country.A crucial tip that might 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.

In addition, during Canada’s winter months, the cold and short days mean it’s harder to push out and stay fit. It also means cold and flu season. so as to avoid getting sick, you’ll take a couple of proactive measures, which can include getting a flu shot. The flu shot is the best defense against the flu and is suggested for nearly everyone over six months aged.

6. Insufficient Pre-arrival Information

Coming to Canada with an honest understanding of what to expect can reduce the uncertainty that inevitably comes with settling into a replacement country.Prior to entering Canada, it can help newcomers to hunt the maximum amount information as possible about when to use for jobs, what jobs they will apply for, and even the utmost number of hours they will work per week (if applicable). These factors differ counting on their immigration status in Canada as some may either be permanent or temporary residents (such as students and economic immigrants).

7. Lack of, or Difficulty Obtaining Canadian Work Experience

Newcomers may find themselves competing with job-seekers with more experience within the Canadian job market. Because some employers may place a better value on local experience, this might leave newcomers struggling to secure their first job in Canada.

For example, newcomers can participate in meaningful volunteer opportunities and internships, potentially in an industry relevant to their chosen professional path. Through these, newcomers can demonstrate their competence, reliability, and skill to thrive during a Canadian work environment.

8. Getting Foreign Experience and Education Recognized

There is little question many newcomers arrive in Canada with solid employment and academic credentials. they’ll certainly qualify for several open positions and academic opportunities; however, they’ll encounter difficulty in getting their prior work and faculty credentials recognized.

Looking into industry-specific licensing requirements in Canada is crucial, particularly for regulated professions. If applicable, newcomers should contact or visit the websites of the licensing or regulating agencies in their industries.

9. A scarcity of understanding of the Canadian job market

Although there could also be similarities in recruitment and employment processes between Canada and newcomers’ home countries, there are indisputable differences which will vary per nation. 

As a result, it’s critical to conduct thorough study on prevalent Canadian habits. Optimizing job search techniques to satisfy Canadian criteria can significantly improve one’s job search success.One strategy to start understanding the Canadian work market is to hunt for advice from family and friends who already sleep in Canada.

If this is often impossible, there are a spread of community-managed online resources available for newcomers, like Facebook groups and online forums.Consider attending job-related workshops to enhance your CV and canopy letter, interview skills, and job-search strategies, among other things.

Conclusion

Overcoming work challenges as an immigrant to Canada necessitates smart thinking and an honest attitude. Addressing credential issues, gaining local experience, improving language skills, understanding workplace culture, and embracing adaptability can assist you successfully navigate the Canadian job market and start a successful career in Canada.