What to Expect When You Move to Canada

My family and I were very excited when we received the news that our immigrant visa to Canada had been approved. My husband and I were excited, and at the same time very anxious about our new life once we move to Canada. We did have relatives in Winnipeg, Manitoba who would definitely help with information if needed, however, we felt that we need to do something else ourselves. I read a lot about struggles of new immigrants in Canada, so we challenged ourselves that we will do our best. We said that we will find a job as soon as possible and it will be related to our profession in our home country. I’m pharmacist and I knew that this profession is regulated in Canada, so I wanted to be informed on how things work and to prepare beforehand.

“The topics and lessons on resumes, cover letters, job hunting skills and many more really helped me a lot when applying for jobs. SOPA’s information session and courses opened my eyes. I knew what to expect once we move to Canada.”Elsie Peralta

By that time, I heard about different pre-arrival services available for immigrants to Canada. That’s when I saw information about Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) on the website of  Government of Manitoba: www.immigratemanitoba.com. I was encouraged to try the program by the positive feedback and reviews from past SOPA clients. After registering, I was contacted by the SOPA intake counsellor right away. The online one-on-one meeting on needs assessment was very helpful. My intake counsellor also helped me to connect with the FilPharm (a Filipino immigrants Pharmacist group in Manitoba). This connection was very useful. I was able to network with the members of the group and gained a lot of information on their actual experiences, on how they process their registration to be a Pharmacist in Manitoba.

I didn’t have much information on what employment looks like in Canada, so I decided to enroll in the SOPA’s Job Search Strategies course. The topics and lessons on resumes, cover letters, job hunting skills and many more really helped me a lot when applying for jobs. SOPA’s information session and courses opened my eyes. I knew what to expect once we move to Canada.

Luckily, just a month after landing in Winnipeg I found a job related to my profession! I wish SOPA program and it’s team all the best. It is not only for providing help to newcomers to settle easily in Canada, but they were our source of strength and inspiration. Thank you for guiding me and my family in our journey to Canada, our new home.

– Elsie Peralta

SOPA Manitoba Client

Immigrating to Canada?

Sign up for free pre-arrival courses and resources! www.arriveprepared.ca