"New immigrants should contact a settlement officer/worker. The officer guided us correctly in relation to government benefits, Canada Revenue Agency registrations, and work opportunities, and other information a new immigrant can find resourceful. This is a must for new immigrants who have no family or friends in Canada," shares Sheriyar Doctor.
Sheriyar J Doctor is a District Manager at Blackbird Security Services
Rashna S Doctor works at RBC
Kayan S Doctor is three years old
Sheriyar J Doctor, his wife Rashna and son Kayan migrated to Canada in April 2018. The move was not pre-planned; after gaining knowledge on Canada’s Express Entry system, the couple decided to apply for a Permanent Resident (PR) status. “We applied and procured the PR soon,” recalls Sheriyar who took the decision so that his son can enjoy the western lifestyle and receive a good education. “We have travelled the world; we wanted our son to experience the same. We wanted the Canadian citizenship for our family,” explains Sheriyar.
Having no family or friends in British Columbia, Sheriyar booked an Airbnb apartment in Coquitlam to live in during their initial days in Canada. They eventually moved to a rental after they understood the workings of the province, and slowly got accustomed to the surroundings and weather.
With the help of the Internet, the couple was able to find basic information pertaining to new immigrants. “The best place to get information is through Google/Internet and government websites. New immigrants should contact a settlement officer/worker. The officer guided us correctly in relation to government benefits, Canada Revenue Agency registrations, and work opportunities, and other information a new immigrant can find resourceful. This is a must for new immigrants who have no family or friends in Canada,” shares Sheriyar.
The process of finding a good job was smooth for Sheriyar and Rashna. “It was not troublesome finding a job but it was an issue to find a job suitable to your home country qualifications as Indian qualifications and work experience are not recognised here,” says Rashna.
The Doctor family says that out of all the places they have visited, British Columbia is the most beautiful. “BC is a beautiful and multicultural place; it also has the best weather and is a great place to live with kids,” expresses Rashna, who adds that one thing difficult in Canada is getting a driver’s license in BC. “Without that it is impossible to commute.”
The family describes their Canadian journey till date as wonderful. “The people have been accommodating and welcoming,” adds Sheriyar. Rashna looks forward to a future where she sees herself practicing law and Sheriyar owning an established business.
Biggest obstacle faced so far in Canada:
Getting a driving license test and finding a house on rent. It’s very difficult to find a suitable place when you have a kid as most people have noise issues.
Advice for immigrants:
Once you land in BC, contact Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) to meet a settlement officer. Open a bank account immediately with any bank. Purchase a car on your home country license which is valid for three months and book your road test with ICBC.
Memories of your homeland:
Celebrating our Indian festivals, weddings and street food are the things we miss the most.