Articles in Immigration
Hire Immigrants Ottawa – Bringing Together Newcomers and Employers
Canada welcomes immigrants for a variety of reasons, including to help the country address challenges such as an aging workforce and demands for skilled labour. However, many newcomers run into settlement difficulties, like having their foreign credentials recognized, fitting into the Canadian work culture and networking their way to a job that truly matches their skills.
So how can we bridge the gap and build a better country?
Living in the National Capital Region: Ottawa or Gatineau?
Prospective immigrants interested in moving in the National Capital Region (NCR) often ask whether they should settle in Ottawa or in Gatineau. This is a rather big decision to make, because even though the two cities are very close geographically speaking, they are located in two different provinces, with the Ottawa River as a boundary.
5 Reality Checks on Your Immigration Project
I get a lot of questions from prospective immigrants and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but a reality check on their immigration project is sometime needed.
How To NOT Ask For Help
Some days, I’m that close to hit the “delete” or “spam” button because I can’t believe how rude or strange some people can be.
I have received what I call “WTF questions” before, including the ever-popular “please send me a copy of your old completed immigration forms so that I can fill my own forms easily”. Because of course, I’m dying to share personal information, including extensive background info, work and family history, with random strangers on the web.
So this is how to NOT ask for help for help when contacting a blogger.
10 Great (and Free) Resources to Improve Your Canadian English Language Skills
I now work as a freelance translator and bilingual copywriter and copyeditor. Working on my English paid off and I’m glad I’m perfectly fluent in both official languages—it makes my life in Canada much easier. After 10 Great Resources to Improve Your Quebec French Language Skills, here are 10 other great resources to focus on your English.
How to Obtain a Canadian Pardon so you can Work Abroad
If you have a criminal record in Canada, you might need a Canadian pardon in order to perform certain activities such as working abroad. Having a criminal record can limit your job and travel opportunities. In fact, if you have a criminal background in Canada and you wish to cross the border into the United States, you will need to obtain a Canadian pardon and a United States entry waiver.
“You May Say I’m a Dreamer” – Tourist vs. Resident
As much as I enjoy immigration topics, I have never been able to find a good forum on the subject. Some boast thousands of members, but most are one-time visitors looking for a quick answer …
Five Types of Immigrants or Prospective Immigrants
I receive a fair share of questions directly on this blog. I actually enjoy answering them—it’s always rewarding to share your experience and to help someone. Besides, I remember how lost and clueless I was when I was in the immigration process.
That said, some questions, on this blog or in the forums, get on my nerves.
Immigrating to Canada through Quebec: Still Worth It?
The question may sound strange but lately, reading immigration news, I started to wonder whether immigrating to Canada through the Quebec process was still worth it.
Marriage Fraud in the News Again
Marriage fraud is in the news again, with a recent announcement by Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney that aims at tightening the rules for sponsorships.






















