I used to be unprepared after I got here to Canada. I would like others to keep away from the identical destiny.
“Dad and mom inform me that after watching my movies, they really feel reassured about sending their children to review in Canada.” (Illustration by Victor Kerlow)
In 2015, I lived in New Delhi, working a product growth firm with two mates. However quickly we realized we had completely different objectives, and we parted methods. I didn’t know what to do subsequent, so I talked to my uncle, who had moved to Brampton, Ontario, to chase higher job alternatives. “Give Canada a strive,” he stated.
After a few years, I lastly saved up sufficient cash to pay for my first yr of tuition at Confederation School in Thunder Bay, the place I might research engineering know-how. Though my dad and mom weren’t thrilled about me transferring 3,000 kilometres away, after I left for Canada in August of 2018, there weren’t any tears on the airport after I walked by way of the gate.
I had organized to hire a room in Thunder Bay by way of Fb Market, however after the owner met me, he stated there have been no rooms out there. I used to be shocked and scared, and I finally satisfied him to let me sleep on the lounge ground for 4 days till I might safe new lodging. From then on, I had hassle discovering housing. Many landlords stated they weren’t comfy with immigrants residing at their dwelling. I endured and finally discovered a home to hire with two different worldwide college students from India; our complete hire was $1,300.
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To pay for the remainder of my diploma, I juggled three jobs at a grocery retailer, a fuel station and a comfort retailer. In 2019, I reunited with my girlfriend, Jasmine, who got here to Canada to review at a college in St. Catharines. Across the identical time, I began making use of for jobs so I might begin working as quickly as I completed my diploma. After a yr and nearly 100 rejections, I lastly landed a product growth place in London, Ontario.
I used to look at movies about immigration on social media, and at some point, I emailed a YouTuber to ask him a query. After we talked, he invited me to go on his channel and clarify how I got here to Canada as a pupil and landed a job in my subject. The video received over 40,000 views, and I acquired a deluge of requests on LinkedIn and Fb from individuals residing in India who wished to know extra about my school research and the job software course of.
I used to host workshops with college students again in India, so I knew find out how to talk with individuals and what questions they could have. Jasmine inspired me to begin my very own YouTube channel, @GursahibSinghCanada, which I launched in July of 2021. I took a free, on-line video-editing course, and my preliminary aim was to submit 50 occasions on my channel by the top of the yr. My first video solely received 72 views in per week, however I saved creating content material, sharing data I want I’d had earlier than, like find out how to discover a part-time job and safe housing.
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In October of 2021, I posted a video in regards to the three consumption intervals in Canada for worldwide college students—January, Could and September. Few different YouTubers had supplied recommendation on this subject, and the video went viral with over 600,000 views. Within the coming months, subscribers additionally requested about different issues, together with pathways to everlasting residency and Canadian meals costs. Typically worldwide college students acknowledged me on the mall; they informed me that my movies saved them from falling for scams or abusing their credit score. One follower even stated I felt like their massive brother, advising them on a giant life change.
Over the previous 4 years, my life has modified too. Jasmine and I received married in July—my uncle carried out the cultural rituals. My dad and mom secured customer visas and can go to Ontario later this yr; I hope they may transfer right here completely. Jasmine and I are additionally saving up for a home, and we plan to have children quickly. Within the meantime, my channel retains rising. I now have over 260,000 subscribers, largely based mostly in India. Dad and mom inform me that after watching my movies, they really feel reassured about sending their children to review in Canada. It’s fulfilling work. With my channel, I can use my experiences to assist different immigrants plan for his or her new lives.
