When planning to immigrate to Canada, one often focuses only on the various immigration programs available. What one often neglects to consider is that immigration to Canada is not only about qualifying for permanent residence, but also properly settling in the country.
In an article dated February 29, 2024, Maclean’s exposed the challenges faced by the Alberta Immigrant Women & Children Centre (“AIWCC”), a non-profit agency in Edmonton that helps women and their families to settle in Alberta. The article shows how newcomers to Alberta are not only faced with obstacles associated with finding employment and housing but also mental health, social inclusion and early-childhood care concerns. Such obstacles are especially present in provinces with a high rate of incoming immigrants and significant foreign investment such as Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Québec. The inability to properly integrate can sometimes lead to the loss of permanent residence or cause people to return to their home countries.
This task starts upon arrival in Canada. It affects foreign skilled workers and investors equally. “Localizing” qualifications obtained abroad or starting to operate a business in Canada is complex and, if not skillfully planned, may hinder the settlement process and affect one’s chances to obtain or maintain permanent residence.
In order to overcome such hurdles, preparation is key. At Jacob Associates, we can not only help you to establish the right strategy to immigrate to Canada, but also guide you through the various challenges associated with your project to make sure that you successfully settle in your new home.
We welcome you to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your plans with one of our experts in Canadian immigration.
