Murtaza and his wife are a multicultural couple—Lucile is from France and he is from India.
After a relatively quick immigration process (only one year), they picked Montreal as their new home. They only arrived a few months ago but they are slowly adapting to their new life in North America. Getting a job will be their next challenge. Murtaza is the founder and editor-in-chief of an online design magazine, and he is looking for creative jobs.
What brought you to Canada?
Canada, and more precisely Montreal, was a logical choice for us. My wife, Lucile, is French and I’m Indian. We met in Mumbai in 2007 while she was an exchange student and we got married in 2009 in India while she was on a work visa. We lived in Mumbai city for 2 years.
We found Montreal was a great melting pot of different cultures and it is a bilingual city (French and English).
It took us a year to complete the immigration process and we arrived in Montreal on April 8, 2011.
Did you find the immigration process difficult?
The information on various websites, such as Citizenship and Immigration, was very useful. The process was very simple as my wife was the principal applicant. Since she has a French passport, things went smoother than expected.
Are you currently looking for a job in Canada? What are some obstacles you are facing?
Well, at the moment, my wife and I are both unemployed and we are looking for jobs in our respective fields. She is looking for a job in marketing and has been interviewed by a couple of companies, but nothing has happened yet. People say summers are slow and everybody is in holiday mood, but lots of opportunities arise in September.
My biggest obstacle is the French language considering we are in Montreal. Also, it’s difficult for people in creative fields to get their dream job anywhere in the world.
Where did you learn French/ English? What was your second language level when you first came to Canada?
My wife is perfectly bilingual. I’m taking a French course with Immigration et Communautés culturelles Québec.
What was your biggest culture shock?
We didn’t experience any culture shock because I lived in Canada in 2005 on a student visa and knew the country and its culture very well before arriving.
My wife didn’t have a shock either because she comes from France—it’s always easier for people from the Western world to adapt to Canada.
What haven’t you gotten used to yet in Canada?
The fact that Canadians plan everything in advance and you have to set an appointment for everything, even to meet with your friends.
Did immigrating to Canada match your expectations?
It’s still too early to tell, we only arrived in April. But, we are very happy with the big move so far.
Do you find life expensive in Canada compared to your home country?
Compared to France, NO! Compared to India, YES!
Are you planning to apply for Canadian citizenship when you will meet the requirements?
We do intend to apply for Canadian citizenship once we are eligible.
What advice would you give to someone from your home country interested in immigrating to Canada?
Well, all I’d like to say is think twice before you decide to apply for immigration to Canada. Think about future opportunities and research well. Immigration is a lengthy process and it sometimes takes up to 5 or 6 years. Consider a lot of things in advance and then decide if you are really prepared for the big move.
Great series Zhu! Each week we learn about other immigrants like ourselves and I am happy to see that most of them have a bright future. It is also a great way to connect with people.
I wish you the best of luck in your job search and new life in Canada Murtaza!
Thank you for following this series, and for these kinds words to all the newcomers!
Hooray! I’m glad Murtaza participated in your immigrant interview series, it’s quite a shift to move from Mumbai to Montreal.
Thank you for the reference! It was a great interview.
Hey guys,
Thanks for the wishes & we are really hoping for a bright future in this wonderful country.
Also, a special thanks to Juliette for featuring our story on her website.
Cheers
Murtaza & Lucile
You’re welcome guys!
Thank you for writing the story of this lovely couple. I feel the love flows. 🙂
I know, look at the picture, they really look in love!
Back home in Malaysia, Chinese + Indian couples are fairly common.
I have many mixed race friends.
My Indian neighbour can speak fluent Chinese. Ha!
Yes, Malaysia is a real melting pot of Chinese, Indians and other Asia/SE Asia countries. I love it!
Hi Zhu,
I wish Murtaza and Lucile all the best in their new life.
I realised one thing with this post: I am like Canadians – I too make appointments for everything even to meet up with friends (it is crazy, because I was not like that before, but oh well…).
I hope everything is cool with you, girl.
Cheers
Do you make appointments to see your friends? That’s funny, you’d fit right in here! I do too now but in France, it was perfectly acceptable to just drop by.