“If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.”

- Rachel Wolchin

I have been writing stories and articles for Global Study Guide, but finally, it is time for me to share my story as a Filipino who moved to Canada as a Permanent Resident just before the pandemic. My intent is to inspire fellow Filipinos. The road to get here was not an easy one but was definitely worth it.

Before we start, let me get one thing straight on having the headline as “success story”. Success for me is not just all about the money. Sure, Canada has great income opportunities, and especially as a Permanent Resident, I can take two or three jobs if I want to. But for me, success is doing what you love and having the freedom to live a balanced life. I will touch on this balanced life again in one of my key points below.

What is my background and my migration path?

I was a geologist in the Philippines and had around four years of work experience in this profession before I submitted my PR application via the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker stream. For those who haven’t checked this path, there is a long list of documents needed (IELTS, academic evaluation, medical exam, etc.), and the wait time to get an invitation to apply can range from two weeks to a year, plus another year or so to evaluate and get the results of the application (whether you are approved or rejected to be a PR).

My Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) score was at 473, and I got it based on having extra points from my master’s degree, being 28 years old at that time, my work experience in one field, and a high IELTS score. I got invited after two weeks of sending my expression to apply and then it was just a matter of sending the list of documents and waiting for the verdict. The Express Entry pool has a lot of applicants sitting in the 400-450 points range, which means the wait time to get invited, if you have CRS points on that range, will be longer given the high competition. This is why I usually tell my friends, especially given the pandemic where the pool of applicants with good CRS points piled up, to try the student-to-PR pathway since it is faster. You will land in Canada as fast as six months or even less after you made your decision. Yes, there is a significant amount of money needed for tuition and living allowance, but you can think of that as an investment in your career and your future life here in this great country. You'll be able to earn while you study, and then get a Post-graduation work permit after your studies so you'll get the return on your investment pretty quick!

[Want to know your CRS score? Here’s the link to Canada’s CRS calculator.]

What makes Canada a great place to settle?

1) Superb health care system

Canada was always at the top ranks in terms of the best health care system in the world. My first job here did not cover extended health benefits; however, I am covered by the provincial health plan (free for PR and temporary workers). I developed chronic pain in my arm and had to see a doctor and needed some laboratory tests. I did not pay a single cent and the procedure, from seeing the doctor and doing blood work, only lasted for an hour. It was so efficient. And though one might say, I actually pay something through my taxes, I do think that my taxes are getting used well given the quality services that I was able to receive.

2) Ideal place to start a family and raise kids

This part, I admit that I did research as I am not yet in this stage of my life. However, if I do start this next chapter, I believe Canada is a great place to raise my kids. For one, education is free. In Canada, it is the law that children go to school. Therefore, attending public schools is free for primary to secondary education (K to grade 12). Furthermore, the government offers a “Canada Child Benefit” which is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age.

Oh, and Canada has tons of green spaces and parks which are great for morning family walks! This up here is only five minutes away from my place and it has a nice walking trail, a picnic area, and a lake!

3) Work-life balance is part of the work culture

I love my job at the non-profit doing project management work and the supportive and highly energetic team I am part of. What also stands out is the work-life balance here in Canada. Boundaries are clear, and the management emphasizes the need of having the weekend as a time to relax and not to do extra work! That could just be a culture in my organization, but based on my observation, Canada generally gives more emphasis on employees’ health and wellbeing. So, sign off from your computer on Friday without any worries, and turn on your full relaxation mode on the weekend!

Last Piece of Advice

I would say Canada can open opportunities and offer support to reach your definition of success. However, it is still mostly up to you to make the Canadian Dream a reality.

Be proactive in seeking possible migration paths. Do your research, attend free webinars, ask questions. While waiting, maybe brush up your English (or even learn French!) skills to ensure a high language score. Save up for tuition and other student fees instead of buying a brand-new SUV. Learn new skills online (for instance advanced Excel, or data analytics if you’re focusing on management, tech, and other office-based jobs) that will make you more employable when you get here.

And lastly, keep your “eyes on the prize!”. It may be challenging; maybe your path to get here is not straightforward, but you will get here! Look ahead and look at the goal, plan carefully each step you will take to get to your target destination.

Looking forward to welcoming you to Canada and chatting with you over drinks when you visit/or settle here in Vancouver! :)