Photo by icars, Flickr
Prospective immigrants have it tough. They must make the difficult decision to migrate, perform research about their destination, and tie up loose ends in their home country before departing. Adding to this difficult and expensive process is the act of moving itself. It is no wonder that many people are turning to others for help.
For those without family and friends already living in Canada, or for those wanting to explore other sources of information, online forums are often the answer. The Canadian Immigrant magazine’s forum, for instance, has hundreds of topics and guest posts on immigration. We interview Sanjay Kapoor, who went from being a perspective immigrant to posting his own advice on the site.
The Source: Why did you move to Canada?
Sanjay Kapoor: I moved from India in search of international business opportunities in Canada and a better life for my family. I liked the benefits being offered, like low population [density], good infrastructure, best country in the world to live, multicultural society and other related advantages.
TS: When did you move here, and how did you find the process of immigrating to Canada?
SK: I moved here recently in March 2012 with my family on an exploratory visit to decide if we would like to continue living here. My process of immigration to Canada was very slow and frustrating. I applied back in 2004 and got rejected after I stopped following up in 2009… ostensibly due to not sending the Canadian High Commission in India fresh application forms when there were some changes in regulation. When I pointed out the lack of communication from the CHC itself, they realized their mistake, reopened my file and granted my family the landing papers in the year 2011. This was when I had given up on my plans to go to Canada. I personally feel the process should not be longer than one year as after that your professional situation changes and you may not want to land in a new country to start life afresh anymore.
TS: What were some of your greatest concerns when you first moved to Canada?
SK: My greatest concern… was the lack of recognition of my experience and education from India by Canadian businesses. Most of my immigrant friends advised me to take up factory or other labor jobs despite my rich experience as an entrepreneurship consultant and an engineer by education.
Apparently they went through the same experience in Canada and now advise it to other immigrants also. It seems to be coming down generations of immigrants! It is a vicious circle that needs the government’s intervention.
TS: Did you get advice from Canadianimmigrant.ca when you first moved to Canada?
SK: I had not heard of [the site] before I moved to Canada. I just discovered it recently and find it to be of immense help for immigrants. Though I received help from the CIIP Program of the Canadian High Commission in India. The support they gave my family was very valuable during my stay in Canada. I recommend [the program] to everyone.
TS: What are the biggest concerns immigrants have when they come to Canada?
SK: The ubiquitous concerns are: jobs, reinvesting your funds in Canada and housing in the right neighborhood (not necessarily of your country’s community!). Everything else is well provided for by the Government of Canada.
TS: What are some common reasons for people to leave India and other countries?
SK: Government apathy, lack of infrastructure, lack of transparency in public dealings in India, high population density, lack of basic facilities like electricity, clean environment, clean water supply, pollution, open playgrounds, natural habitats; lack of government support to citizens’ problems, better work opportunities in the immigrant country, more earnings in the immigrant country.
TS: What is one piece of advice you would like to give to all immigrants?
SK: One advice that I want to give to all well-educated and experienced landed immigrants is: don’t get into the trap of taking up general labor jobs to run your house in Canada as it can cause physical damage and keep you away from your chosen profession. Instead, look for internship opportunities, self-employment and keep educating yourself part/full time with the wonderful facilities provided by the Canadian government.
TS: What motivated you to help other immigrants?
SK: I have been an immigration consultant and a businessman in the past. Now I am an entrepreneurship consultant and get to use my past experiences. I strongly believe in helping the community with the knowledge and experiences of my life. It gives me a pleasure to support other people and see them succeed. In the process, I make new friends, create a network and learn a lot from them also! It comes back to you, as the world is round.
TS: What do you do as an entrepreneurship consultant?
SK: I educate young aspiring entrepreneurs with workshops, help evaluate their business ideas, make business models and plans, provide them with networking and assist in funding as well as mentoring them on their new ventures.
TS: How did you become an entrepreneurship consultant?
SK: I have been an entrepreneur myself for many years and have done a variety of ventures. I turned my experience and education to a consultancy in which I could get involved with more businesses that are interesting in nature and coach others to be successful.
