Common Mistakes to Avoid As a (Canadian) Immigrant

Not Having A Solid Plan

If you take nothing else away from this post; the key message is to have a Plan A, B, C, D and an Exit strategy. When you are immigrating you need to have a solid plan (s). Unless you are a refugee of war; there are things worse than leaving the security of your current country. Basic things, like leaving your country for another without having adequate know how or savings to get settled in, can lead to bigger issues like depression, anxiety and culture shock. Issues that may stick with you years after.

To create a solid plan you need to:

1. Research, research, research the most current official resources provided by the government of that country.The key question here is how you are going to legally maintain your status in the new country (in this case Canada)? You would be surprised at how many people immigrate to countries where they are clueless about what it means/takes to be in legal status. Or they invest thousands of dollars on a path that leads nowhere.  Boarding the plane, getting there and setting up house is not the end goal. Not because you can legally enter a country means you can legally and perpetually reside there. Not because you know of a friend or family who took a certain path means that path is valid for you. Immigration law and policies change frequently and also vary from province to province so it is important to always stay updated on the requirements. Always. 
2. Not rely solely on the advice of friends and family when immigrating. While they may have good intentions; friends or family may be giving you outdated/inaccurate immigration information and you don’t want to find this out in the midst of having to survive in a new country. You need to do thorough research yourself and or seek advice from a qualified Immigration Consultant or International Advisor at a school.
3. Not rely on family and friends for financial support.I’ve heard and seen so many cases, I can say it’s a trend. There is such a thing as a ‘Canadian Welcome’ and it’s possible you can overstay your welcome and create tensions where none existed previously; even if they were the ones who suggested you come. The long and short is that people have their own lives and struggles and while they may be willing and able to help you get settled in and get a head start; they may not be willing or able to hold your hand, financially, throughout your immigration journey; which brings us to the next point. 
4. Create a budget. Try to get an estimate of the minimum amount you (and your family) need to settle in and survive. You at least need to have that or access to that amount. This is where friends and family living in Canada can be most helpful. You can ask them all the questions you have about cost of living; things like Food, Clothing (Read quality Winter gear), Transportation, Health Care etc. For example, you may have to be a legal permanent resident to get full access to free Health Care or be part of an International Health Care plan offered by a school. Also, you need to research some ways to legally generate income if and when your initial savings run out. In summary, you need to know the resources you have and what is available to you (and your family) based on your status and where you will be living. 
5. Have a Plan B,C,D and an exit strategy because Plan A does not always work out. Even in spite of preparedness; life happens. Look at as now in the middle of a pandemic that most could not have predicted. Think carefully about different paths of immigration that may be available and applicable to you while you are in legal status. If all else fails be sure to have enough money to relocate or go back to your country if necessary. I want to stress that for many immigrants there are things worse than returning to the security of your country or a country where you can be in legal status. Being out of status or remaining illegally in a foreign country is riddled with stressors; especially if you value your freedom and being able to move about freely and transparently.

What else would you include in your solid immigration plan?