Eight Common Myths about Migrating to Canada
If you plan on immigrating to Canada, then you will most likely do some research about the country so that you can learn more about it. You might also find yourself turning to friends and colleagues for their opinions or tidbits of information that they can give you about Canada. But no matter where you turn to for information, be it the Internet, the television, or your friends, you might find yourself faced with immigration myths rather than truths. Even television personalities are guilty of spewing out things about immigration to Canada that are untrue. Keep this in mind and be wary of what you believe in. After all, you should be careful, because believing a myth can cause trouble for you
when you do immigrate.(1)
Myth #1: Canada is just a nation of immigrants
Since 2001, there have been 221,352 to 262,236 people immigrating to Canada every year. Although this seems like a huge figure, immigrants to Canada in 2001 did not make up more than one percent of the total population growth during that year. This seems like such a small percentage of the population to call Canada a nation of immigrants. Most inhabitants of Canada are those who have been there since birth, or native Canadians who have opted to stay in their homeland. It is best that you don’t assume that there will be more immigrants in Canada than “real” Canadians. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they will be able to find lots of people there from their native country and eventually blend into the scene. These people, who come to Canada expecting to fit in right away, usually end up disappointed.(2)
Myth #2: Just about anyone can immigrate to Canada
If you think you can easily qualify to immigrate to Canada, then you might be overconfident. Just like in the United States, Canadian immigration is ruled by comprehensive legislation that only allows admission to those who are able to meet the legislative requirements. This doesn’t mean, though, that you shouldn’t even try to immigrate to Canada because immigration rules are strict. After all, denial of entry is limited to individuals who are threats to national security or public safety. Make sure that you meet the statutory criteria related to criminality, security, and medical requirements, and you’ll probably get admitted to Canada.(3)
Myth #3: The federal government extends more financial assistance to refugees than to Canadian pensioners
Do you want to run away from the oppression you’re experiencing in your own country? Is immigrating to Canada one of the options you’re considering simply because you think you’re going to get much financial assistance there? Well, the truth is that the federal government of Canada does give financial assistance to refugees. But this financial aid is only for a short term and couldn’t compare to what Canadian pensioners make. To sustain your life in Canada, you would still need to work. It’s still vital for you to support yourself and your family financially. It’s not enough for you to just rely on financial aid from the government, because this might not be enough to meet your needs.(4)
Myth #4: Illegal immigrants in Canada are not detained
The legal basis for detaining immigrants in Canada is almost the same as that of the United States. If you’re an illegal immigrant in Canada, don’t think that legal action won’t be done in case your real status is discovered. If you are deemed to be a flight risk, or if you are found to be a danger to the public, or if you are a security threat, then you may be detained. Once detained, you need to complete a security screening assessment before you gain a refugee or asylum status.(5)
Myth #5: Once a married individual person becomes a permanent resident in Canada, the kids and spouse will immediately be allowed to immigrate
Think it’s easy to immigrate to Canada and it will only take a short time for you to get approved for immigration once your spouse has already been deemed a permanent resident of Canada? You might be in for a surprise. Currently, it takes approximately eight to ten months for your application to be processed. You can’t immediately join your spouse once permanent resident status is gained. You and your kids will have to wait several months. It would be good for you to make the necessary arrangements and to apply as early as possible if you wish to immigrate immediately.(6)
Myth #6: It’s easy to find jobs in Canada if you’re a skilled worker
Canada keeps on enticing skilled workers to immigrate, but not all of them are able to find jobs immediately. In fact, many of them arrive feeling positive and hopeful, only to find out that they will be rebuffed by different professional entities. Some choose to be underemployed, starting from the bottom of the corporate ladder, just so they can find work and earn enough money to sustain their living. This doesn’t mean, though, that all skilled workers who immigrate to Canada suffer from this fate. If you plan to immigrate to Canada, it would be good for you to secure a job first through employment agencies before you go there. This way, you are assured of a job and you won’t have to go job hunting when you get there.(7)
Myth #7: Canada is a nation with no identity and no culture
In 1995, Sheila Finestone, who was then the Multiculturalism Minister, proclaimed that Canada has no culture. This message got some people to think that Canada is looking for immigrants because it needs diversity — it needs people with culture because the country is so bereft of identity that it needs to fill itself with immigrants who have cultures of their own.(8) Canada has culture, albeit one that is heavily influenced by French and British culture and traditions.(9) The culture of the Aboriginal people in Canada has also become incorporated into the mainstream culture of modern Canada.(10)
Myth #8: Canada is home to a large number of illegal immigrants
Although Canada has its share of illegal immigrants, the number of illegal immigrants in Canada is small compared to that in the United States. There are around 60,000 to 200,000 illegal immigrants in Canada, which is a fairly small number compared to the 12 million illegal immigrants in the US.(11)
There are many exaggerated claims being made about Canada and its immigration policies. What you should learn is that immigrating to Canada is a serious issue, one that you should think long and hard before doing. You may be tempted by the prospect of greener pastures there, but make sure that you migrate legally so that you can enjoy all the benefits that being an immigrant in Canada has to offer.(12)
Sources:
(1) http://blogs.chron.com/immigration/archives/2008/05/post_130.html
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_Canada#Immigration_rate
(3) http://www.connect2canada.com/getthefactsimmigration/
(4) http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/department/media/facts/aid.asp
(5) http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/san_francisco/bilat_can/misperceptions-mythes.aspx?lang=eng
(6) http://www.workmatics.com/Mythbusters_immigration_style.aspx
(7) http://deletetheborder.org/node/464
(8) http://www.canadafirst.net/myths/myth12.html
(9) http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/fr-rf/visit-eng.cfm
(10) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Canada
(11) http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060307/website_myths_060307/20060307?hub=Canada&s_name=
(12) http://www.nowpublic.com/world/canada-immigration-change-good-chequebooks-better