Is Immigrating to Canada worth it for an Indian with a good job in India?

Question

Hi,

I live in India with my husband and 2 young sons. We applied for immigration 2.5 years back. As it gets closer to becoming a reality I'm having doubts about actually taking this step. We have fairly good jobs here in India and live a comfortable life (both postgraduates at managerial level). Here are a couple of our concerns:

a. Is is true that most Indians end up being taxi drivers and waiters? Is it reallly THAT difficult to find a job?

b. What will be the monthly expense for basic living expenses -food and rent for a 2 bedroom house/condo in Toronto?

c. Do you experience any kind of racism in your neighbourhood or at work or school?

d. Lastly, on an average how long does it take from PR application to actual landing in Canada? Further, how long does it take after a successful PR interview in Delhi?

Sorry for all the questions, but I just want to be informed before we take a final decision as this could impact the lives of our children.

I would love to hear from people who have recently immigrated from India.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

NO!!! stay in India, we DONT need anymore immigrants in the West.

Answer 2

Many PR's end up being very disappointed when they arrive and find they have problems getting a job that is in tune with their skills and education.  Canadian employers tend to be conservative and don't jump at the chance to give you a job, they tend to be more suspicious of your education and experience if it's from outside of Canada.

You might have to downgrade for a while, start at a lower level and work your way up.  It could be hard but could be worth it.  You have to check into certification for your jobs.  Some professions like medical, engineering, some tradesmen etc. have to re-certify before they are allowed to work in Canada.  Certification would be obtained by taking some exams and it may be expensive and take some time.

You are really interested in immigrating to Canada, you might want to look for jobs right now and see if you can come in as a skilled worker on a temporary work permit.  That way, you would at least know if you have a decent job before you arrive.  I don't know why you are set on Toronto but it may not necessarily be the best place for job opportunies.  You have to be flexible and ready to move where the jobs are.

New Delhi is a very busy visa office and according to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information... they are taking 70 months to process 50% of their PR applications so you could be waiting another few years.

Answer 3

I would suggest that your husband go ahead and see how things are and see if its actually makes sense to move with boriya-bistar. Its a huge change for you and your kids especially if you have a well settled job. There will be a period of transition etc which can be rather tough.

Good luck.  

Answer 4

yes 2 all

Answer 5

a. Actually, what you see are Sikhs doing jobs like taxi driving and security, but mainly it's because they are so dialed-in to the industry, they can really help each other out while they get their skills up to speed. You really need to make sure your professional certifications are recognised by Canada. I cannot stress that enough. There's a lot of people from Punjab who have problems getting their skills recognised/equalised. Then again, if you own a taxi company or a security firm and you can hire a mature Sikh with a ton of education, you're probably getting a pretty competent employee.

b. You can score something semi-decent around Toronto for $1500. Both groceries and eating out is fairly pricey, I'd say about $40/day max for a married couple with 2 kids eating three real meals a day.

c. I'm American, so I experience discrimination. Being Indian, you probably won't. Strange how that works.

d. When your PR is approved, that is your landing. They don't really use that term officially anymore. When your application for permanent residency is completed you are a legal resident of Canada.

Answer 6

its worth it if you like the place. no, they arent all taxi drivers. I doubt its that hard, otherwise I'm wondering why would canadian government accept so many immigrants. for canada there is that point system and you need a good education and at least few years of work experience. if you pass that test, then you can move. I've tried and I dont get enough points. or ask the embassy.

canada is one of the best places to live in the world. well UN says so. racism is everywhere, however canada is far more peaceful to live, unlike usa. there is one problem - pollution in large cities. even in some rural areas isnt healthy to live cause wind blows pollution from cities to those areas. worldwide 2 million people die cause of pollution. so if canadian air is cleaner than indian, then it is worth it.

thats all I know.

Answer 7

Eben's answers are pretty close.  

a.  A lot of immigrants work for a while below their skill level because they lack "Canadian experience".  This goes beyond just having your qualifications recognized, it's knowing how things are done here.  You will be at a disadvantage compared to Canadian applicants.  But no, not every Indian drives a cab.

b.  Rents vary quite a bit depending on the area, higher in the downtown area, lower in some of outlying areas and suburbs.  You could monitor Craigslist for a while, they have some rentals there.  There are some on www.mls.ca too, but that is mostly sales.  I spend about 150 a week for food for 4 adults, but that doesn't include a number of meals out.  A transit pass is about 100 per month.  Clothing will be more expensive because you will need winter clothing and kids outgrow them yearly.  

c.  Different ethnic groups tend to cluster in Toronto, some areas will be heavily southeast Asian, others Chinese, Italian, etc.   There are some racial/ethnic conflicts but they are relatively minor.

I think you are wise to carefully consider this move.  It probably will take a while to establish yourselves here and there will be a period of adjustment for all of you.  India has a growing economy and I have some friends who are thinking of going back to India, they are successful here, but miss India.