.jpg)
Moving from Latin America to Canada is a wonderful and promising endeavor; however, there is an invisible factor that determines who succeeds in settling there and who falls by the wayside: migratory maturity.
Once inside, the extreme cold, homesickness, the urgent need to find work, and so on all become apparent—realities that were always there but went unnoticed because the country was seen only as the “rosy paradise” portrayed on social media or painted by someone else.
In today’s blog post, I’ll discuss a common mistake made by immigrants who travel without a well-established profile, put themselves at risk of losing their status, and seek “quick fixes” that could have negative consequences for them.
Read along with me until the end and find out why immigration readiness is the foundation for settling in Canada—and in any country.
As a Canadian lawyer and an immigrant myself, I’ve learned that life isn’t easy anywhere, and that many immigration plans stem from a simplistic belief that Canada is a perfect destination—a paradise of snow and beautiful landscapes where anyone can “reinvent themselves”—but that’s not the case!
It’s colder here than we’ve ever experienced in the tropics, and the healthcare system isn’t like the one in Latin America, where doctors feel approachable and we receive immediate care. In Canada, loneliness takes its toll; at times we long to have our family nearby, but to see them, we first have to secure our immigration status and much more.
The “Canadian fantasy” has emerged thanks to certain content creators and influencers who travel to the country to enjoy its tourist attractions, showcasing the best of its cities and landscapes, but overlooking the requirements for a well-rounded immigration profile—starting with proficiency in its official languages (English and French).
If they only speak Spanish, how can they integrate into the workforce, academia, or society?
Migration readiness refers to an applicant’s ability to objectively assess whether they meet a country’s requirements, setting aside emotional expectations or quick fixes to focus on building a strong profile (languages, education, experience) that aligns with the needs of the specific city where they dream of living.
Unfortunately, some foreigners want to live in Quebec, but their partners aren't willing to learn French. They dream of Vancouver, but they don't speak English well enough and aren't making an effort to improve.
They stay in their comfort zone and start planning how to remain vulnerable when they aren't.
This shouldn't happen if you're headed to Canada!
Note: Migration maturity begins when you decide to stop listening only to what you want, avoid taking the easy way out—such as seeking asylum without being in genuine danger in your home country—and start paying attention to reality.
Immigration inexperience is not just a characteristic of the applicant; it is also a shared responsibility of those professionals who, despite being aware of the strictness of Canadian immigration laws, prefer to offer easy solutions.
We have observed with concern how, when faced with a negative situation, seeking refuge is suggested as a way out.
Asylum is an international protection measure, not a loophole for those who don't meet the criteria!
What the law says: “The desire for a stable job or a better education for your children is not grounds for seeking asylum. If it is determined that you do not need Canada’s protection, you will be removed from the country.”
Visit the official website on: Seeking Asylum in Canada to learn more about the law.
“You have to accept it when the profile isn’t good”
There are real-life cases in immigration consultations where applicants panic because their permit is about to expire and their profile isn’t strong enough to qualify for fast-track programs like Express Entry.
In consultations, individuals with a work permit that has only six months left before it expires, an intermediate level of language proficiency, and a partner who does not contribute points to their profile tend to overlook the regulated consultant’s objective and honest assessment: their profile does not look promising for immediate residency because, quite simply, there isn’t enough time.
Other opinions maintain that it is not necessary to learn French and that his profile is "fine," concluding that the supposed solution to his situation is to seek asylum.
Note from Immiland: In six months, you won’t reach an advanced level of language proficiency or build a solid foundation to compete in programs like Express Entry.
I invite you to watch our video: Life isn’t easy anywhere. What I’ve learned from my life in Canada; where I provide more details on recommendations for consultations that could affect your status.
If you'd like, you can share your thoughts after watching the video.
In Canada, language proficiency is neither optional nor a minor detail; it is the cornerstone of the points-based system in immigration programs.
You only need to look at the official data from Express Entry draws and the nearly 90-point difference in scores between general rounds and rounds in the French Proficiency category. Speaking French can help you obtain permanent residency.
In conclusion, if you and your partner are willing to invest in your education, language skills, or whatever else is required, you will be able to achieve the success you seek; otherwise, you should rethink your goals or ask yourselves why you came to Canada.
Canada is best enjoyed when its profile improves and adapts to the country's needs.
Do you know if your profile is a good fit? Understanding the immigration process is the first step. If you want to know your real chances of immigrating to Canada, at Immiland Law Professional Corporation, we can help you .
At Immiland Law Professional Corporation, we are CICC-regulated consultants and Canadian lawyers who specialize in helping you realize your dream of immigrating to Canada.
We help immigrants settle legally and improve their qualifications to increase their chances of success in each application process. Schedule a consultation here.
I hope this reflection helps you take charge of your process with honesty, focus, and the maturity needed to turn your plan into a legal and successful reality in this great country.
See you in the next blog post, where we’ll continue to help you build your Canadian dream with professionalism and empathy!
With love,
Immiland Law Professional Corporation
