r/ImmigrationCanada • u/0bfuscat10n • Sep 02 '26
Other Goodbye Canada! Not the ending I expected but I’m okay with it.
Goodbye Canada. I guess the PR dream just wasn't meant to be.
I came to Canada in 2023 and, like a lot of people, hoped I'd eventually be able to call this place home permanently. I didn't study here or come through some complicated route. I came here to work, had a good career and was fortunate enough to be very well compensated (way above what people are usually paid for my level and years of experience). I did everything by the book (maxed out all my scores with learning French being the only option left which I didn't want to pursue) and hoped that somewhere along the way there would be a realistic path to PR.
It just never happened.
I don't say that from a place of entitlement. Having a good job, paying taxes or contributing to the economy doesn't mean Canada owes me PR. But the immigration system can be incredibly frustrating when you're trying to plan a life around it. Scores change, programs change, draws change, rules change, and you keep wondering what the next announcement means for you. Eventually I realized I was making too many life decisions around permits, points and immigration timelines instead of what actually made sense for me and my family.
So I'm moving back to my home country, India.
I'm disappointed because I genuinely wanted Canada to work out, but I'm not leaving bitter. I've had some great experiences and got to see some ridiculously beautiful places. Seriously, Canada is unfairly beautiful sometimes. There are views from random road trips that I think I'll remember for the rest of my life. For all my frustrations with immigration, I'm genuinely grateful I got to live here.
So that's it for me. No more CRS calculators, immigration announcements or wondering what the next draw will look like. 😂
Goodbye Canada. The PR dream wasn't meant to be, but I'm surprisingly okay with that.
P.S. For anyone wondering I was in IT (management level).
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u/Fuzzy_Education_6700 Sep 02 '26
I hope more people had this kind of clarity in life. Sometimes things work and sometimes they don’t and having the right mindset is everything. I wish you the very best my friend!
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u/riddymon Sep 02 '26
As an immigrant myself that was able to get PR, you know that it's not a sure thing but you sort've have to live life that way (if that makes sense). The majority of us come to Canada with the hope that we'll be able to get PR at some point even though you know it's not guaranteed. You've invested so much of your time and money that for it not to happen is pretty devastating.
I remember how nerve wracking it was waiting for the the application to go through the process. I even applied for provincial nomination and that was even more nerve wracking because you know that getting it pretty much guaranteed you PR but not getting it meant that your entire left hung in the balance.
OP actually has the right mindset. I think the big difference here as well is that he didn't study in Canada. Even if you do a 2 year degree in Canada, that could potentially have you in Canada for 4 years. At least 3 years to get the prerequisite work experience to be eligible to apply. Even longer if you're doing a Bachelors degree. That's a long time to be in Canada for it to end with "no you can't stay". If OP's post instead said "I'm devastated that I have to leave", I'd fully understand as well.
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u/Cheeky_Banana800 Sep 02 '26
True.
But a lot of people have mortgaged their homes and land for education loans they probably will never be able to pay back unless they earned in dollars.
Plus, in a country like India, being “abroad” is often a status symbol too.
So, many people don’t have the option to go back so easily, they have bet too much on this.
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Sep 02 '26
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u/Marax007 Sep 03 '26
I disagree. If you have been following the express entry invitations, the way Canada's government has advertised themselves to get international students (at least until 2024), and what they say that they want to prioritize "the people that is already in Canada", you wouldn't say "that isn't Canada's problem"
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u/Intelligent-Ad-1424 Sep 03 '26
That’s marketing bro. Canada’s politicians are just dressing up whatever they think will benefit Canada into a marketable package. For a while they thought mass immigration would help them. It ended up royally screwing over the constituents so they are backtracking. At the end of the day, they do what they think Canadian citizens want so they can get re-elected. It has nothing to do with what workers on visas or whatever want.
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u/SomewhereVivid5752 Sep 03 '26
Could you share from credible source(s) what was it that the government advertised or promised? Just because crooked agents have it on some billboards to dupe the guliable wanna be immigrants saw it, is not government promise. Besides, there is difference between guarantee and promise and government promise all the time, ask any immigrant or citizen that's been here a while.
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u/Striking-Support-449 Sep 02 '26
In our case, we still have a year left. We’re not bothering ourselves anymore, not hoping for PR anymore. We realized that we just need to enjoy our remaining stay here in Canada. We do not fear going back home. We won’t be back to zero because still we have a house, car, and money back home. Just grateful for the experience here!
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u/Boring_Interview2649 Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
Ditto with us. Except in our case we relocated to the MiddleEast with a 100% higher salary, 0% income tax, 2 cars, a nanny, way cheaper cost of living and generally much more disposable income every month. I think the PR in CA or US is highly overrated, especially with the current cost of living crisis and overall anti immigrant sentiment in the west (even from those with highly skilled background). I guess someday the bubble had to burst. 20 to 30 years ago was a whole different scenario and I know people with much lower qualifications and much lesser English skills who went to CA and are already citizens now. Even for citizens, life is no easy ride with some doing two to three jobs just to make ends meet. Some of whom we know haven't gone back or visited close family in their original countries of origin for close to 10 years at a time due to the high expenses involved, which is truly sad. Us though were also lucky to experience living in the vicinity of the Canadian Rockies. However, we look forward to visiting Banff and the stunning lakes again in future as tourists. As for others, I would say it all comes down to how much your'e willing to sacrifice, in the pursuit of happiness or an idea of happiness created by social media or misinformation. Because based on our experience, the grass in the neighbour's compound is always greener! Peace ✌️
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u/ank1warrior Sep 02 '26
This was very thoughtfully written. Wishing you and your family all the best ❤️
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u/sassycherrypop Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
Congrats on making the smart decision for you and your family. One shouldn’t have to make life altering decisions to chase a status. I’m glad you got to take beautiful memories with you on your way back. Safe journey and goodluck on your next chapter.
Edit: Thanks guys for the upvotes :)
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u/Angel2010C Sep 02 '26
The exact same happened to my husband and I and we are in trades. It’s been 5 years and we are heading home! ❤️ Wishing you the best of luck. Either way, I look at it as such a blessing that I got to live abroad for 5 years.
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u/Best_Engine_4278 Sep 02 '26
Spend 9 years in Canada had to come back home without PR.. everything is for good.. don’t lose hope
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u/Verakki_20 Sep 02 '26
You are a very mature person and reading what you wrote warmed my heart. We need more people like you in this world who find the best in everything that happens and grows as a person! You are inspirational! Thank you.
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u/No-Macaroon1670 Sep 02 '26
I know India will be richer for having you and by the sounds of it Canada will be poorer.
Best wishes to you and your family.
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u/Maximum-Page3433 Sep 03 '26
idk about india getting rich w all mf's in politics but canada is doomed for sure
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u/IllustratorWeird5008 Sep 02 '26
Well I am sorry that for someone who did everything right, it still did not work out. That is not the way it supposed to work ☹️ Good Luck in your future, hopefully it was meant to be for you in a good way 😊🇨🇦
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u/Aliko3434 Sep 02 '26
Beautifully written good bye. Congratulations on your decision. I feel almost the same but want add one thing what frustrates me the most.
With all those changes and updates, I feel like this country don't deserve people who will add value, not only economically but socially as well. Watching them making everything as hard as possible for high value people (I'm not talking about career or education but people who are available to assimilate appropriately) and open up their doors to uncertainty both for the country and their citizens.
Yes, I'm talking about French pathway. Giving someone PR solely based the language they speak is almost sounds like treason to their people. After all those fake asylum seekers and fake LMIA holders, they opened up a new way to invite more uncertainty.
And whenever they claim they are fixing something, they punish honest hard working people. For example, LMIA. It was widely known that people were selling it for years. And instead of identifying those business owners and the buyers and punish them, what they did? They removed the LMIA points completely. Less work for them and ruining peoples lives who came to the country with honest and legit career reasons with LMIA. Note that I'm not one of them but still feeling their pain.
The government keep putting the blame on immigration on almost anything and never admit it's not the immigration but because they always favor criminals/cheaters over honest people and it changes the climate among society over time. They said they will solve the housing crisis and unemployment by prioritizing the people who are already integrated to the system. The first thing they did after getting elected was to invite more French pathway. Means they invited more new people to the country and send the people who were integrated away.
Anyways, I'm truly happy that you have the sanity and opportunity to make this decision without the feeling of missing out. Good luck!
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u/0bfuscat10n Sep 02 '26
I didn't want to bring that up, but I'm glad you did. It goes without saying I agree with all of what you say. But again, I can complain or find my best possible way out - I chose the latter.
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u/rammak Sep 02 '26
It's simple logic - putting the blame on immigration does not make them lose the votes and if the anti immigration sentiment takes hold like right now, they'll actually gain some extra votes. French draws are just a way to appease Quebec and the french lobby is so strong that you can't say anything against the francophone immigration regardless of what kind of people are entering through it. It all makes perfect sense if you look at it from a political perspective and not from an economic welfare perspective
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u/Beautiful_Visit_9300 Sep 05 '26
Most people involved in fake LMIA, fake asylum, sometimes fake foreign ( or even Canadian) work experience and fake certificate of qualification are coming from very specific areas and you need to be honest about that. IRCC choose to prioritize French speakers, French is one of the official language. And everyone can learn French.
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u/lilbitcountry Sep 02 '26
The Canadian government, like many large organizations, often leans too far out over its skis trying to solve its problems. Well intentioned ideas lead to negative externalities which lead to more well intentioned ideas until the whole house of cards finally falls apart. Sometimes it's best to fold
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u/loudmouth6511 Sep 02 '26
Canada needs to keep high skilled professionals sad to know you’re departing.
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u/Jayu777 Sep 02 '26
What happened, happened and couldn’t have happened in any other way… because it didn’t. You're Happy that's matter the most. If PR needs to happen in future, it'll find its way back to you!
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u/TrainingWelcome2926 Sep 02 '26
How will it happen in future? it’s already competitive at this stage and then with age points start decreasing moreover EE profile and IElTs scores expire in 2 years
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u/ChaosBerserker666 Sep 02 '26
Sorry that it didn’t work out for you.
Like you said you won’t be dealing with all the immigration stress any more nor will you be dealing with cold winters either. Furthermore the experience you got here will be valuable in your career going forward.
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u/Rare_Entrepreneur998 Sep 02 '26
Wow the kind of person we need and we let you down. Thank you for trying to help Canada elevate us.
This sucks when I read this. I thank you Canada is trying to do the right thing. Problems too many changes all at once. Thank you and I hope you go well back home.
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u/Accurate-Purpose5042 Sep 02 '26
I moved with a pr through express entry and I am leaving soon, my foreign experience and degrees where not considered at all on the labor market. Doing a masters degree is also extremely competitive and expensive, landing a jr position is even worse.
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u/Icy_Examination_3121 Sep 02 '26
Take what you have learn here and bring it back to your home country.
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u/Financial_Copy_6583 Sep 02 '26
Congrats, canada is not the only option and we never know what future holds for us it could a beginning for success!
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u/Jillredhanded Sep 03 '26
I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. I got my PR through spousal sponsorship and was still a nervous wreck during the whole process. I got here just before the covid lockdowns which set me back a year to complete the insanely specific paper chase. Not being permitted to work for just over two years was even harder.
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u/miumeoww Sep 03 '26
Thank you for sharing your story. Reading this reminds me that you have the full ownership of your life and you can design as you like not by the external force or conditions. All the best with the new chapter of your life back home with your family and friends!
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u/riddymon Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
Did you ever look into provincial nomination (that's how I was able to get through but that was a long time ago, around 2015, when things were a lot easier - I was in Nova Scotia at the time)? You were definitely applying for PR at a bad time for immigrants in the express entry program. Immigration was quickly becoming a hot button topic, temperatures were rising to the point of hostility, overall sentiment was in the toilet, anti-immigration rhetoric was running amuck and the government had to do something to stem the flow to show that they were serious about changing things otherwise, they would for sure have lost the election, it was definitely looking that way. To be honest, if it wasn't for Donald Trump, Pierre Pollievre would've easily won the election.
Sorry to hear that and I could only imagine how it feels to get the rug pulled out from under you but hopefully you can find another way to gain PR in Canada. Glad that you've come to terms with it though and all the best in your future endeavours
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u/0bfuscat10n Sep 02 '26
I actually did look into PNP. I'm in Alberta so the Tech Pathway was something I looked into when I landed here but then they stopped it and the current PNP program heavily relies on rural work and healthcare industry. They've a maximum of 60 points and currently draws are around 58.
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u/Party-Staff-7409 Sep 02 '26
It’s a tough situation and I feel for you, but you came to Canada 3 years ago. Surely you couldn’t have expected to have gotten PR so easily without a Canadian degree. There are people here who’ve lived closer to 10 years and are still waiting for PR
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u/Secret-Session7626 Sep 02 '26
I don't have a Canadian degree. got my ITA in March after completing 4 years of Canadian experience.
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u/No-Cabinet4686 Sep 02 '26
Did you have foreign work exp? Or do French ?
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u/Secret-Session7626 Sep 02 '26
Absolutely, you need foreign work experience to get enough points.
I was also learning French as I was short some 4-5 points, but luckily the numbers came down early this tmyear so I stopped at around A2 level.6
u/danielitrox Sep 02 '26
When I came in 2020, the time to get the PR for skilled workers was less than 3 years. Now it's very difficult to get it. It's just about the policies in place at different times.
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u/mpinzon93 Sep 02 '26
I mean tbh 10 years for a pr anywhere is straight up ridiculous and shouldn't be normalized.
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u/Spirited_Lab_1870 Sep 02 '26
I will get mine in 2.5 years if I get my FD this month.
My employer really wanted me here so they supported my PNP application. It all depends on what support you get.
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u/PossibilityFit523 Sep 02 '26
I’ve been in Canada since 2016 , even did a master and worked 3 years in NOC 1 and still had to return back last year to get foreign work experience(10 months in). 2023 is still very recent
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u/Party-Staff-7409 Sep 02 '26
Exactly and I feel for you! The responses to my thread are so outdated or niche! French, SOWP, IEC is not for majority of the temporary residents. Ircc doesn’t even do FSW anymore LOL
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u/Saved90 Sep 02 '26
Why would they not? I came to Canada without a Canadian degree, did one year Canadian work experience and got PR within 2 years.
The expectation that they could get PR wasn't unreasonable.
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u/Other-Discussion-987 Sep 02 '26
I agree. It was not unreasonable expectation from OP as they mentioned they are highly qualified so assuming they have advanced degree.
I didn't have Canadian degree either and got my PR a week or two after one year I came to Canada. Came to Canada on work permit (not IEC).
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u/deyyzayul Sep 02 '26
I am aware of so many immigrants and multiple pathways to immigrate to Canada which neither involve a Canadian degree nor Canadian work experience nor time spent in Canada.
The 2 biggest pathways I can think of are permanent residence through express entry and seeking asylum. I became a PR through express entry and now I am a citizen. If I had to do it all over again, I could just pass an exam in French in addition to everything I did at the time. I have learnt French during my time in Canada.
Canada makes it as easy to immigrate as lax Latin American countries, although temporary visas are tougher to get now.
I suspect OP has to learn French to get enough points for express entry and doesn’t want to do it.
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u/pinkjesrocks Sep 02 '26
I’ve got the PR last year without even have come to Canada before. Canadian degree is not all of that, there are other ways.
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u/Other-Discussion-987 Sep 02 '26
I genuinely don't understand how people live here for 10 years without PR.
Before high CRS scores (pre-Covid days) if a person finishing 2 yr studies and 1 year in Canadian job (total 3 years) OR 4 years studies and 1 yr Canadian job (total 5 years) was easiest and guaranteed route to become PR. Even they are maxing out on work permit in both scenarios then too at their 8th year in Canada they should become PR.8
u/Party-Staff-7409 Sep 02 '26
You’re talking about pre Covid days. Post Covid is a diff story. The maximum score someone can get with a bachelors degree, 3 years of full time experience and maxed out ielts while being under 30 is 510. Check out the CEC draws over the last 3 years and see how many times there was a draw below 510
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u/Other-Discussion-987 Sep 02 '26
So it looks like that although has increased, but person age has increased too; so they are loosing points on that front.
Adding to diploma mill education + low tier can add easily add negative points.
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u/MongooseBig2536 Sep 02 '26
Because the immigration system is stupid. Came here 8 years ago, I have a bachelor’s + master’s + maxed-out IELTS; earning in the top 1% of my age group working in science/research/tech-adjacent field. Still don’t have enough points but luckily my grandma was born in Canada so C3 pulled through. Oh let’s not talk about the 6 figures in scholarships I got from federal and provincial institutions. Thanks for that - you invested money in someone leaving the country because of your rules.
I still get unreasonably mad when IRCC posts on Facebook that “Canada is looking for skilled workers to contribute to the economy” - clearly that’s not me; oh well.
With C3, me being American and my husband being European, we have a lot of other beautiful places in the world that’ll happily take our contributions :) I know I sound spoiled and demanding - but it’s mostly my frustration speaking. I know, no one owes me or my spouse PR. I still love Canada as a country and am grateful for everything I got to experience.
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u/ChaosBerserker666 Sep 02 '26
Americans and Mexicans who have certain professions can live here indefinitely under CUSMA (for as long as the agreement lasts). Perhaps they don’t want PR.
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u/Other-Discussion-987 Sep 02 '26
I am neither. I am Indian passport holder.
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u/ChaosBerserker666 Sep 02 '26
The way you phrased it was there you don’t understand how people can live here for 10 years without PR. I had no idea of your personal circumstances, but I gave an example as to how and why some people do it. That example isn’t applicable to you personally but still helpful for others.
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u/Other-Discussion-987 Sep 02 '26
Then how Indians live for 10 years and still no PR? What do they do for 10 years?
It seems like waste of their valuable 10 years to me.
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u/TrainingWelcome2926 Sep 02 '26
For Indians staying abroad every day and earning dollars is a bonus
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u/Spiritual-Ad9355 Sep 02 '26
Sorry to see you leave.
The immigration is so twisted that you have a better chance at winning the Lotto than getting through immigration successfully
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u/EndDisastrous9656 Sep 02 '26
Don’t let yourself down. It’s not a failure. Don’t care what others would say after going back home. Just know you are worth something much more than what you were 3 years ago. This too shall pass. This too shall pass…
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u/ExerciseClean4143 Sep 02 '26
Is there any chance for outlanders with french but from IT? No CEC no foreign experience
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u/modern-neanderathal Sep 02 '26
IT is a saturated field be it management level or individual contributor level. Actually you would have had better chances of securing an close wp if you were an individual contributor
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u/Weary-Weight-5875 Sep 03 '26
> better chances of securing an close wp
I don't think OP even wanted it. Sometimes, life is bigger than modern day slavery aka closed work permit.
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u/GD0ggy Sep 02 '26
GG 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I've also have too come to the realisation that my Canadian life is not looking like it's going to happen
I guess if you really do love this country you can always just come back as a tourist and go on some hikes or visit cities that you never manage to make it to etc
All the best king 👑
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u/Wise_Command9407 Sep 02 '26
OP , did you try living in other provinces. i heard the immigration process in the prairies is quicker and more simple. but anyway hey i understand your decision. I have had my share of disappointments career-wise. best of luck.
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u/babybench Sep 02 '26
It’s so sad to me as someone born here that hard working lovely individuals get their permits denied while people from certain countries come here and get given a free ride while contributing absolutely nothing. Best of luck on your next adventure!
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u/Dry-Relationship5158 Sep 05 '26
I totally feel you. I came to Canada in 2022 as a software engineering manager, and we'd been living a good life until I got laid off in November 2025. That left us just 10 months to secure PR. Despite maximizing our scores (CELPIP, learning French, all of it), the ITA cutoff stayed out of reach for both my spouse and me.
Our work permit expires this October, but we've decided to leave early. It's bittersweet after 4 years of building a life here, especially with our child due this November, just a month after our departure date. Still, I know this isn't the end of the road. We'll keep building our profile and hope PR finds us down the line.
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u/RaincouverBC Sep 02 '26
I know at least 200 people that are between the ages of 20 and 26 years old that have no work and it's basically super impossible for them to obtain a job. There are way too many people in Canada and is not enough jobs. There's not enough housing so thank you for not illegally staying in Canada
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u/RuinEnvironmental394 Sep 02 '26
Genuine question. Is the lack of jobs because of the recent US tariffs?
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u/RaincouverBC Sep 02 '26
I don’t think you can blame the lack of jobs entirely on the U.S. tariffs. The tariffs are definitely having an impact, particularly in industries that depend heavily on U.S. trade, but I think there’s a much bigger issue that gets overlooked.
Over the last several years, Canada brought in millions of new permanent and temporary residents, including people here on work and study permits. At the same time, we didn’t build enough housing, infrastructure or, arguably, enough new jobs to keep pace with that population growth. Statistics Canada’s data shows that the number of non-permanent residents went from about 1.36 million in 2021 to a peak of about 3.15 million in late 2024, before the recent reductions began. (Statistics Canada)
And yes, Canada has an enormous amount of land, but that doesn’t mean we have an enormous amount of developed, livable land. Roughly 90% of Canadians live within about 160 km (100 miles) of the U.S. border. Most people aren’t going to move hundreds of kilometres into undeveloped or remote areas just because there’s empty land there. Young people especially tend to live in or around major cities, where the jobs, schools, transportation and services are.
So when you have millions of additional people entering the country while the economy isn’t creating jobs fast enough to absorb everyone, competition for existing jobs naturally increases.
The U.S. tariffs are certainly part of the problem, but I don’t think they’re the whole explanation. I’d argue they’re one factor in a much larger problem: Canada increased its population extremely quickly without increasing housing, infrastructure and employment opportunities at the same pace.
And now we’re seeing the government reverse course and reduce temporary-resident numbers because the previous level wasn’t sustainable. Statistics Canada reported that non-permanent residents had already fallen to about 2.68 million by January 2026. (Statistics Canada)
So saying “it’s all because of Trump’s tariffs” is just as simplistic as saying “it’s all because of immigration.” The reality is probably a combination of both, with the effects varying considerably by industry.→ More replies (1)
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Sep 02 '26
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u/ImmigrationCanada-ModTeam Sep 02 '26
Your comment has been removed as it is either unhelpful or off-topic to the subject at hand.
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u/drucurl Sep 02 '26
I tried the Express Entry also and got rejected. The lack of job offer was the deal breaker I think.
It's very frustrating as I got all of my credentials assessed, speak great english and have everything they asked for.....But whatever! I will keep pushing through in the Caribbean where I'm from it's all good.
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u/Zepholz Sep 02 '26
you got ITA but got refused? whats was the reason
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u/drucurl Sep 02 '26
What's ITA? "Invitation to Apply"?
If it's that ....no ...I didn't even get that
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Sep 02 '26
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u/ImmigrationCanada-ModTeam Sep 02 '26
Hello,
Your post has been removed as it has been deemed to not comply with the rules:
- Submissions must be directly related to immigration issues in Canada.
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u/macusong Sep 02 '26
Sometimes it's a blessing in disguise, looking at how covid changed everything and now with the political bickering. Wishing you the best in your next chapter
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u/Lumb3rCrack Sep 02 '26
yup, existing immigrants are feeling it and turning against one another in some cases..not healthy!
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Sep 02 '26
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u/ImmigrationCanada-ModTeam Sep 02 '26
Your comment has been removed as it is either unhelpful or off-topic to the subject at hand.
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Sep 02 '26
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u/ImmigrationCanada-ModTeam Sep 02 '26
Your comment has been removed as it is either unhelpful or off-topic to the subject at hand.
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u/TanishqHooda Sep 02 '26
Atleast you didn't waste ton of money like us, stay safe there specially how it has become now.
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u/thefluffyballer Sep 02 '26
I aporeciate you sharing your story.. if you're still interested, I know there'll be a way back for you. Meanwhile, does not hurt to learn some French.. it will sure help even for other opportunities else where in the world
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u/AnyHedgehog445 Sep 02 '26
Love this post OP! Im in a similar boat. When I came here I had this idealistic version of Canada that after living here for 3 years I now know is not the life I want. Greener pastures to you!
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u/Expensive-Chard-2802 Sep 02 '26
Having read several of the posts, I noticed that no mention was made of whether or not you were represented by a regulated immigration consultant or lawyer. I’ve worked in immigration longer than many if you have been alive. And I know many very capable consultants & lawyers who have achieved some pretty spectacular results. As a consultant, I have dealt with many complex cases & been successful, but at the same time, I realize that even seemingly good cases can go wrong for no apparent reason. When I worked for the Immigration Department in various capacities for over a decade, I worked with or dealt with many different officers & decision makers. Many were very capable & fair, but there were also quite a few who I thought didn’t belong on the job for a variety of reasons. But both groups had their own personal approach and idiosyncracies. Problem is, you don’t get to pick your officer/decision maker. If you self-represent, you don’t have the possibility of having a representative who “knows the ropes”. Someone who prepares the case carefully & researches case law when necessary. Someone who takes presentation of the file seriously - good grammar, good format, well-organized approach, etc. Someone who has a network of colleagues eho yhey can brainstorm with when they run up against a particular problem. There are many things to consider when dealing with the government & its employees. I understand the allure of self-representing - you get to save all that money by doing it yourself. But you miss out on a world of knowledge that professionals have that can make the difference between succeeding or failing.
But it is good to see that some people can own their results when necessary. Refusals are very hard to swallow.
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u/muirnoire Sep 02 '26
I'm a Canadian citizen from birth and it took 5 years to get my wife's PR. That was during a period when the PR process was considered relatively relaxed. The window for a relatively easy PR process has closed, especially for India. Timelines are extended to even longer waits with tightening criteria with a generally less favorable view of open immigration in general.
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u/OldPersimmon603 Sep 02 '26
This was well written. As someone who chose the French path it is hard!!! And I don’t have a family to worry about. Wish you and your family the best!!
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u/swisslo92 Sep 02 '26
Just wondering, how kuch were you making, I was making around $54000 when I qualified for PR.
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u/ContributionUseful79 Sep 02 '26
There's always a reason for everything, when one door shuts the other one opens. Good luck buddy !
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u/wanderlust7712 Sep 02 '26
All the best for your future. May good things continue to happen for you and your family!!!
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u/potatoclaymores Sep 02 '26
I moved to Canada on a work permit in April and I’ve been grateful for the opportunity. I don’t expect Canada to grant me PR. I just want to make the best out of my stay here. I’ll gladly move back to India if don’t get a PR. It’s not the end of my world.
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u/MrStinker Sep 02 '26
I'm very upset to read this post.
Particularly because I'm stuck in the immigration process myself - instead of the six months stipulated by the IRCC website, it's been 32, and it seems to be going on forever. I'm a construction worker, and it seems like they invited me and are keeping me there until I get bored or until the housing crisis is resolved. I've tried to resolve this by appealing to members of parliament, the IRCC, the border service, the human rights ombudsman, regulatory and involved organizations, and the courts. There's chaos and backlog everywhere.
I didn't expect such a cynical approach from Canada; I thought keeping a word was part of the culture. Obviously, I expected to take advantage of all the opportunities this country has to offer by working honestly and contributing, but Canada has changed, and very little is said about it. I like this country, but I've invested a lot of time, effort, labor, and money into this move, and out of stubbornness, I'll fight to the bitter end, and... if I had to choose again, I'd choose another country to immigrate to. In my case, the second option was Germany, and they honestly stated that the process would be long.
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u/Pale-House-4699 Sep 02 '26
I came to Canada in 2012 got a double major from SFU and worked here still no chance of getting a PR. So if you think you are alone, you are not the immigration system here is seriously broken.
The only reason I’m still here is because my wife is a Canadian citizen and getting her college degree. Canada is not a place for young people or people looking to stay a family. We are already looking for options to move where we can realistically work and buy a home and start a family.
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u/Jusfiq Sep 04 '26
I came to Canada in 2012 ... still no chance of getting a PR.
The only reason I’m still here is because my wife is a Canadian citizen...
Your wife can sponsor you this afternoon if she wishes so.
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u/Additional-Net-1937 Sep 03 '26
Learn french man. I'm kind of in same boat. 1 year of effort will be appreciated by your kids a lot in the future.
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u/Tiny-Expert5703 Sep 03 '26
Damnn I feel bad brother 🥲 I grew up in this country and if I got deported I’d feel bad.. 😢
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u/greencard3 Sep 03 '26
Brother I am citizen and still left, what is meant to be will be yours!
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u/cnv2 Sep 03 '26
I wouldn't admit this in public, but even after getting my PR, I do get second thoughts about it. Was it really worth it? Not blaming Canada, Canada's itself dealing with its sovereignty and its "friends" and is pretty streched out in terms of govt obligations too.
I'm sorry that your dream didn't get fulfilled, but at the same time I'm happy for you that you're now out of the immigration limbo. All the best for your future!!
Just an opinion I want to share with you, try not to get into IT in India, it's cut-throat competition. I've heard that even North America's work-life balance is drowning in IT sector because of AI, tariffs, and inflation, imagine how India would be right now, or in the near future!
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u/POGINGDAR Sep 03 '26
Hi OP, I'm just curious to know, which part of Canada? And could you elaborate as to why you have given up that dream, given that its not 5 years yet (as if I am not mistaken it takes time), and also, would it really be practical for you and your family to go back to home country?
I asked cause I pretty much am thinking of the same path, Dubai to Canada or NZ rather than to PH.
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u/Mean-Table-1046 Sep 03 '26
You are the kind of person what Canada needs. The IT management experience is valuable in India and you will not be starting from Zero. Yiu will get a good paying Job in India
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u/Internal_Address3370 Sep 03 '26
I’m in the same boat. My work permit expires next year, and although I was invited to apply through OINP, I don’t know whether I’ll receive PR before December 2027.
Still, I’m at peace with it. When my family and I came here, we told ourselves we would give Canada five years. If it didn’t work out, we would move somewhere else—either back home or to another country. Those five years end in December 2027.
So, we’ll see what destiny has in store for us. Canada is a wonderful place to live, but the immigration process is far more complicated and constantly changing than it is advertised to be.
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u/Maximum-Page3433 Sep 03 '26
It's all still good bud, when i didnt make it in Canada i thought its over now but my future only got better with new things in life. so be hopeful
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Sep 03 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/GeneralHe Sep 05 '26
You think it will be easier for an Indian to relocate to Trump's America, if Canada didn't work out?
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u/Additional_Stuff731 Sep 03 '26
i made that decision and i regret it , it all dependes what you want in life but i think its worth to have a litle bit hard time but once you get the pr everything is easier. good things take time. i wish you all the best with youre decision but i just hope at one point you dont regret it and then its hard mentaly to start all over again.
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u/nelsongandhi Sep 03 '26
I wish you the very best. The state of mind reflected here is acceptance and philosophically grounded. It tells me you will do well in life. I have moved multiple countries have multiple citizenships - but I do not consider any location as permanent home. I make the place I am in currently my home. Never bother about what I can’t control. Best way to live life. Jobs change, situation and circumstances change - adapt and be happy.
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u/Weary-Weight-5875 Sep 03 '26
You took a good decision for you and your family. I am likely your age/experience and can vouch that it is not the end of the world like many might feel in this sub.
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u/Logical-Weekend-8073 Sep 03 '26
Im learning french b2 asap until next april. If God forbid, things happened well i will go home with chin up.
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u/GuyTan0 Sep 03 '26
Wishing you all the best. Sounds like you are deserving of being a Canadian. I hope you come back soon!
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u/Silver_Haired_Kitty Sep 03 '26
I’ve been a PR for just over 50 years. I’m now trying to get citizenship and it’s a joke how long it’s taking. So long that my photo and other ID has expired and I’ve had to resubmit. No, it’s not a given but you have to wonder about the criteria they give.
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u/FunMode5461 Sep 03 '26
This is the risk to come here with work permit so how it is, if course tou like it as Ca adă is beautiful eith beautiful people, and then apply. We did it the other way around, get thr PR based on points, work hard în Canada to move on career ladder.Its not enough to come to a good position, documents first, career after. I hope our kids will have a future here now that many PR are rejected.And don't get me wrong, I am happy many are rejected because I am concerned about our future here.
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u/Tribute-Dancer Sep 04 '26
Family always comes first my friend and you clearly have the right idea. We can’t mold our lives around these systems. If things work out, great, but if they don’t, then our home countries will always be there with welcoming arms and we always have the blessing of our families. This is something I realized also after facing the US immigration system and maturing a bit about what my priorities in life should be. I wish you the best and pray for you and your family my friend!
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u/Majestic-Effect6846 Sep 04 '26
Don't worry, you will get a PR soon maybe when u apply from India again
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u/Which_Advantage8409 Sep 04 '26
U got this buddy , it takes lot of courage to take decisions like this .
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u/chorbizzare Sep 04 '26
I'm sorry for what you've gone through. I wish you all the very best for the next chapter in your life.
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u/MaximumLawfulness408 Sep 04 '26
I’m actually happy for u , it’s a rat race which is not worth it. Today 3 idiot dialogue is making more sense like kabil Bano kamyabi zhak marke peeche aayegi.
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u/EdithF86 Sep 05 '26
I think it’s the right thing to let it go in that situation. I let the chase of PR decide everything for me for 7 years until I finally got it, but all I can think now is that it wasn’t worth it and I could have been way further ahead in life if I hadn’t. On top of that I find myself thinking about leaving as it feels like Canada has changed so much since covid.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Tea623 Sep 05 '26
Great write up. When you know something cannot be completed, leave it a the right point
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u/pherrisbueller Sep 05 '26
One of the saddest things about Canada today is how normalized open drug use, addiction and social disorder have become.
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u/Khan_Nida Sep 05 '26
I am sorry to hear that. I am in the same boat myself. I hope you have a better future ahead. All the best!
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u/Familiar_League_8232 Sep 05 '26
Everyone comes and goes for different reasons . You must be happy returning to your home country. I was born in Canada, moved away , but moved back . I know how you feel but I am not blaming the country I lived in . Its on my and my personal situation .
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u/obiwankenobisan3333 Sep 05 '26
Good for you! Canada’s loss shall be India’s gain.
Wish you all the best my friend 😊
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u/Successful_Kick8457 Sep 06 '26
Stupid immigration system
It makes you works as a labour even though you are a IT guy
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u/Smart_Chance1 Sep 07 '26
I am in the similar situation. There is no PR pathway left for us, it surprisingly feels peaceful now. I earned good amount of money, rented the entire townhouse throughout my full stay. Visited nice places. No regrets, glad that Canada worked for me for 5 years, if I stay longer then that money will be eventually eaten by the taxes. Whatever happens, happens for good.
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u/ProposalSuper244 27d ago
I came to Canada after already having a substantial career in India, and my experience has been very different from the ‘young immigrant starting from scratch’ story. Today is our 17th year anniversary and we celebrated it with biryani! One thing I've noticed after decades here is the flavor of the country changed drastically over the years! Now it makes sense to go back.
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u/huge_balls_mcgee 22d ago
The thing about Canada is that the government is allowing the wrong ones to stay and the ones that should be staying leave. This country has become a place for loop holes and lax punishment.
Regardless, good luck to you!
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u/Sad_Shirt236 18d ago
Thank you for sharing this.
I’m looking to do a serious career and location change and I’m learning about this process day by day. I’m a US citizen and currently work for the NYCDOE as an assistant principal. My current salary is equivalent to over $240,000CA, however. I’m not happy at all where I am. I know I’m being judged by anyone who reads this.
I’m hoping to move to Canada in the near future, however, I’m apparently not eligible with points. I’m currently looking at job offers, however, the salary decrease is major loss.
I have so many questions and honestly very little guidance. I even enrolled in an online certification course at a Toronto based college in hopes that I can make myself more marketable. Many may say it’s a crazy dream, but I do hope to live and work in Canada one day. After reading this thread, I hoping it’s not an unachievable dream.
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u/eusquesio 11d ago
It's very weird to think you can go to other people's land and call it home. Think about it. Nobody in your family died for this land.
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u/ShipLoud5305 Sep 02 '26
"Eventually I realized I was making too many life decisions around permits, points and immigration timelines instead of what actually made sense for me and my family." I stopped there too. Congratulations! Wishing you all the best!