How to tackle common challenges for new immigrants in Canada?

Posted by Nationwide Immigration Services on February 23rd, 2024

Moving to another country - leaving your home and loved ones behind is one of the biggest life decisions you can take. This comes with new difficulties. From finding accommodation and overcoming the language barrier to finding employment and fishing isolation, you have to tackle many different challenges as a newcomer in Canada. 

If you are planning to apply for permanent resident Canada, here are some hardships you may or may not have to face when you first land in Canada. 

5 Common Challenges for Newcomers in Canada

1. Looking for Affordable Housing 

The very first thing a newcomer has to overcome is to find a suitable place to settle with family. As per a 2018 Statistics Canada study, most immigrants look for renting options when they first come to the country. But rental properties are always in high demand across Canada and thus, you may find it difficult to find a house. 

Don’t worry, there are several websites where you can find accommodation. These include: 

• 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 centres, etc.

Another thing you can do is contact your immigration consultant to help you find a place to stay. Also, you can do a quick web search of services that are offered in your area. Compass to Connect is a government-funded website that can also be quite helpful in searching for settlement services across Canada.

2. Language Barrier 

The two official languages of Canada are English and French. As a newcomer in Canada, you may find it difficult to communicate in one of these languages - even though you have submitted proof of English proficiency with your PR application. One more thing, Canadian employers require their employees to be proficient in English or French and it is one of the primary requirements in a job description.

To prove your proficiency in either language, you can learn through language training services. As a permanent resident or protected person, you are eligible to enrol in language classes that are funded by the Canadian government. These classes are commonly referred to as:

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC)

3. Isolation

Moving to a new country - between new people with a new culture, far away from home - may lead to isolation and loneliness. Everyone needs time to adjust to their new environment, so you are no different. That said, Canada has a diverse community with newcomers coming from different parts of the world. This can be a great opportunity for you to mingle with them and deal with isolation.

Canada also has settlement services you can connect with - who help new permanent residents settle in the country with ease. As per a survey of 2021, IRCC saw that 61% of newcomers who availed of settlement services felt that they blended into the society better and met new people they now consider to be close friends. 

Also, 92% of immigrants agreed that their community was extremely welcoming of newcomers, with 90% having a strong sense of belonging to Canada.

4. Searching for jobs 

Another major hurdle you have to overcome is finding employment as you have to get your credentials recognized and find meaningful work. There are 20 million people in the Canadian labour force and immigrants account for a major share of that. The best way to find a job is to grow your network as this will gain you access to more job prospects that may not be publicly advertised. 

You must create an online professional profile on LinkedIn - widely used in Canada. This way you can demonstrate your work experience and abilities, establish new connections, and explore job openings. You can also connect with experts in your industry and initiating discussions with them can be an effective way to get started in your career and gain valuable insights on how to succeed.

5. Adapting to the cold weather

Canada experiences a varied climate in comparison to many other countries. The winter season in Canada can be extremely chilly, with heavy snowfall occurring in some regions. For newcomers to Canada, it is crucial to purchase appropriate winter clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves, thermal layers, insulated jackets, and waterproof boots.

Moreover, the cold and shorter days during Canada's winter season make it challenging to stay active and healthy. It is also the time for the cold and flu season. To prevent getting sick, you can take a few proactive measures, such as getting a flu shot, which is the most effective defense against the flu. It is recommended for almost everyone above six months of age.

Need Help?

If you are wondering how to go to Canada from India, don’t worry as Canada offers many immigration pathways to apply for permanent residency. Express Entry managed streams, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and others are common pathways. Seek professional advice from one of the best immigration consultants in India, Nationwide Visas, to get in-depth and personalized guidance for your Canada PR visa from India.

Start your process today!