She Prepared Before Arrival—and Found a Job in Canada in Just Three Months
Starting a new life in Canada comes with excitement, but it also brings many questions and uncertainties. Preparing before arrival can make all the difference. For Ojasvi Dhuria from India, joining the SOPA Pre-Arrival Program before moving to Canada gave her the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools she needed to begin her new journey successfully.
Today, Ojasvi lives in Kamloops, British Columbia, where she works as a Sleep Technologist. Before arriving in Canada, she wanted to better understand what life and work would be like in her new home. After receiving her pre-arrival letter, she learned about the SOPA Pre-Arrival Program and decided to register.
Today, Ojasvi works as a Sleep Technologist in British Columbia. She believed that participating in SOPA would help her better understand career planning and job search strategies in Canada. Looking back, she says it was one of the best decisions she made before immigrating.
During the program, Ojasvi participated in several courses, including Job Search Strategies, Soft Skills, and Canadian Workplace Integration. She also had a personalized one-on-one session with an Employment Counsellor, where she received guidance tailored to her career goals.
Through these sessions, Ojasvi gained a deeper understanding of Canadian workplace culture, professional communication, and employer expectations. She learned about workplace etiquette, how to communicate effectively with colleagues, and the rights and responsibilities of employees in Canada. These practical insights helped her feel more prepared and confident before beginning her job search.
Reflecting on her experience, Ojasvi shares how valuable the program was:
“SOPA gave me valuable knowledge about Canadian workplace culture and ethics while also providing practical job search guidance that matched my career goals.”
The preparation paid off. Thanks to the knowledge, skills, and confidence she gained through the program, Ojasvi secured a job in her profession within just three months of arriving in Canada—a wonderful achievement that highlights the value of preparing before arrival.
Ojasvi’s Advice for Future Newcomers
What strategies did you use to find a job in your field, in a related field, or in an alternative field?
“I already had experience working in my field, so I used my existing knowledge and skills to find a similar job in Canada.”
How did SOPA change your approach to seeking employment in Canada?
“I attended a personalized one-on-one employment counselling session in SOPA. During the session, I was able to learn about the work culture in Canada. Additionally, I gained a better understanding of what is right and wrong, how I should approach people, and what my rights are in the Canadian workplace.”
What tips or helpful information can you share that may help other newcomers?
“Stay calm and remember your skills and strengths. They can help you secure a good job.”
A Facilitator’s Perspective
Josephine Wang, Facilitator for Job Search Strategies & Cultural Communications at SOPA British Columbia, remembers Ojasvi as an enthusiastic and dedicated participant.
“It was a pleasure working with Ojasvi throughout her participation in the Job Search Strategies and Soft Skills courses. She was eager to learn, consistently engaged in the sessions, and approached every opportunity with a positive attitude and an open mind.
Ojasvi demonstrated a strong commitment to developing her skills and applied the strategies she learned with enthusiasm. Her willingness to learn, accept feedback, and continue growing made her a valued participant.
It was a privilege to be part of Ojasvi’s job search journey. I wish her every success in her career and future endeavors, and I am confident that her dedication, positive outlook, and perseverance will serve her well.”
Ojasvi’s journey shows how preparing before arrival can make the transition to Canada smoother and more successful. With the right guidance, practical knowledge, and a willingness to learn, newcomers can build confidence, navigate the Canadian workplace, and achieve their career goals sooner than they may have imagined.
If you’re planning your move to Canada, the SOPA Pre-Arrival Program can help you prepare for employment, understand Canadian workplace culture, and start your new journey with confidence.
Story prepared by SOPA British Columbia Team and by Ojasvi Dhuria
Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) is an Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funded program that delivers free pre-arrival services for job readiness, success and retention.
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