Helping Newcomers Thrive in Canada

The Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to welcome over 4,85,000 new immigrants each year, representing the highest intake in Canadian history. After arriving in Canada, newcomers are self-tasked with establishing themselves in their new homes and may experience challenges adjusting to life in Canada.

Exploring career options in Canada?

This article will outline common challenges faced by many newcomers during their settlement in Canada and provide advice and suggestions on how to overcome these hurdles.

Finding your 1st job in Canada

Overcoming language barrier

English and French are Canada's official languages, posing communication challenges for many newcomers. Proficiency in either language is often a key requirement for job opportunities. To improve language skills, newcomers should utilize language training services, which offer support tailored to different needs such as general language learning, assistance with immigration-related language assessments, specialized job-oriented language training, and similar services.

As a permanent resident or protected person, you have access to language classes funded by the Canadian government, known as:

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
• Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC)

Learn more about LINC Programs

Locating cost-effective housing

When you first arrive in Canada as a newcomer, one of your primary responsibilities is to find housing for yourself and your family. According to a 2018 study conducted by Statistics Canada, most newcomers choose to rent a home upon their initial arrival in the country.

Many newcomers may face difficulties in locating suitable housing due to the widespread demand for rental properties across the nation.

Clients can access accommodation services here

Getting accustomed to the True North!

Adapting to a different culture, away from one's home, family, and friends, can lead to sensations of isolation and solitude. Getting accustomed to unfamiliar surroundings and feelings could take at least a week’s time.

However, Canada's remarkably diverse population, especially in major urban centers, includes communities from a multitude of countries. These communities serve as beneficial networks for newcomers, aiding in managing feelings of isolation and facilitating their adjustment to their new surroundings.

Finding employment

Finding a job in Canada as a newcomer can be challenging due to potential obstacles in having their credentials acknowledged and accessing meaningful employment opportunities within the Canadian job market. Canada's labor force includes more than 20 million people, among whom newcomers make up a growing proportion. Indeed, landed immigrants account for over a quarter of Canada's workforce.

For newcomers, building a strong network within Canada is crucial for accessing potential job opportunities that might not be publicly announced. It is advisable for newcomers to create an online professional profile, such as on LinkedIn, a platform widely used in Canada. This allows individuals to showcase their professional experience and skills, connect with new contacts, and search for job openings.

Check if you qualify to migrate

Getting used to the weather conditions

When compared to various other nations, Canada has a diverse climate. Canadian winters can be extremely cold, with significant snowfall across different regions of the country.

A key suggestion beneficial for many newcomers to Canada is to invest in appropriate winter clothing to keep warm during the cold and snowy weather. This includes essentials like hats, gloves, scarves, thermal layers (socks, shirts), insulated jackets, and waterproof boots.

Clients can access accommodation services here

Additionally, the cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours during Canada's winter season can present challenges in staying active and coincide with the cold and flu season. To prevent illness, individuals can take proactive steps such as getting a flu vaccination. The flu shot is highly recommended for nearly everyone over the age of six months and provides the most effective defense against influenza.

Check if you qualify to migrate to Canada.?Check out Owlspriority Immigration’s?Canada Settlement Resources?to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.