MOVING TO CANADA DURING
 A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

Parting with your native land and relocating to a new nation is itself a life-changing decision. It requires an enormous amount of endeavour and determination to traverse through numerous junctures of the immigration process.

Most of us understand and are geared up for the subsequent challenges, however, this year exhibited ambiguous times.

I am a newcomer who moved to Canada in February 2021 and my start has been a bit unusual because of the ongoing Global Pandemic.

I have penned down a few challenges followed by some quick tips that can prepare you well for your journey.

Challenge-1 LANDING

As we did a soft landing in 2019, we saved a lot on the paperwork this time. However, the global pandemic has resulted in new regulations, and it is currently mandatory to book and pay for a 3-night hotel stopover before you arrive in Canada. One must stay at the government-authorized hotel while awaiting their arrival Covid-19 test results.

After receiving your negative test results, one must move to their place of accommodation and do a compulsory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.

Tips & Tricks

• Select a place with an accessible open space that will allow you some outdoor time while you are quarantined.
• If you are accompanied by children, keep a variety of engrossing games, worksheets or quizzes that can make their isolation comfortable.
• Install a few apps for doorstep delivery service for groceries.
  Apps such as Instacart and Uber eats allow you to select from several stores that can deliver essential items to your location.
• Do not book for shared space accommodations.

Challenge-2 ACCOMMODATION

While you are still in your temporary staying arrangement, head start to explore short or long-term rental spaces. Obtaining a place of your preference can be time taking and as a newcomer, be ready for a few roadblocks. If you are new, unemployed and have no credit history, be prepared to hear a ‘no’ more often.

Nevertheless, stay optimistic and keep looking. Pandemic has caused a slump in the rental price, and you might close on a great offer.

As soon as you have address proof, apply for your health care as the waiting time for it is now waived off.

Tips & Tricks

• If you are employed, keep your offer letter, and pay stubs (slips) ready.
• Keep basement and walk-out basement options into consideration.
• Keep clarity and decide soon, as you might lose on a decent option.
• If you are unemployed, look for a short-term lease.
• Find a home closer to public transit to save on a few dollars.

Challenge-3 JOB MARKET

Securing a career in a new country is undoubtedly the most challenging task that people face. The global pandemic has made it worse by hitting the job market. Although most of the jobs have seen a substantial blow, a few industries, such as IT and advertising have seen growth like never before.

These challenging times have taken a toll on people’s psychological well-being. However, hard work, persistence and perseverance are the proven keys.

Tips & Tricks

• Utilize this time to constantly enhance yourself by doing demanding courses in your field. Platforms such as Udemy, LinkedIn, Google Academy etc are offering a plethora of courses to choose from.
• Use additional hours to eliminate the language barrier.
• Work on your resume and build an online presence on useful platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Zip Recruiters etc.
• Take ‘Job Search’ as a 9-5 job and take time to unwind.
• Sign Up with employment agencies and continue to follow up.

Challenge-4 NETWORKING

Networking physically is yet another challenge and the elevator pitch is no more effective. But then again, this should not prevent you from building connections virtually. Accept the changeover and switch swiftly to the digital sphere.

Tips & Tricks

• Create your digital presence and network through professional channels.
• Attend webinars and link with your industry professionals.
• Join virtual meetup groups and connect online.
• Register for virtual job fairs and keep connected digitally.

Challenge-5 REMOTE LEARNING FOR KIDS

 is incredible to observe how technology did not let education suffer and how families and schools supported each other’s transformational move. However, this whole process has been extremely overwhelming and taxing for teachers, parents, and children.

Tips & Tricks

• Create a schedule and adhere to it. This will help you to organize your day and help kids to plan their time.
• Fix some quality time with children so you do not feel guilty at end of the day.
• Keep worksheets and engaging activities handy.
• Plan for family walks to channelize their energy.
• Enrol kids in virtual workshops.

I hope the above pointers will support your journey while you create your own story.

Just remember, we are together in this.