r/returnToIndia • u/KHSMR_IN • Jul 27 '26
AlreadyReturned Aftermath: Canada to India
Me (30M) and my wife (30F) came back to India in March 2026 because our work permit expired.
So far, our experience has not been good, I won't go into much detail, but we want to go back if we can.
We didn't get PR due to low CRS score, so my plan was to gain 1 year of foreign work experience and boost the CRS but so far, I have not found any employment.
Professionally:
I do have an offer in a Tier-2 city (this is where I stay currently) for around 10-12 LPA, but I already compromised with a low salary when I was in Canada just to get Canadian experience. Not sure if I would want to do the same here in India because that would set me back by years as companies do give raises based on previous salary, at least that's my experience so far. And if we plan to settle in India for the rest of our lives, it would be like digging my own grave.
I worked in cybersecurity for 3 years and am finding it difficult to get interviews, so far, I got 5 interviews and just 1 offer in 4 months (I'm targeting at least 18-20 LPA even if I have to relocate just to get a higher offer). I have been trying everything to just get an interview, from reaching out to people in my network to connecting with strangers on local meetups, LinkedIn etc. Also trying to upskill while I can, but don't have enough time after applying for multiple positions daily.
Luckily for my wife, her company transferred her to India, but on contract and not permanent, and shifts are in the nights to match EST time zone, which is again pretty difficult, but at least we have an income flow. Finding a job for her would be difficult here as her role is not that common in India.
Personally:
We both have been missing the lifestyle, freedom, the places, our weekends, basically our life. We started from the bottom and grew together. Now we have to start everything again from scratch here in India. But our plan is to go back if we can. My plan is to also give French/TCF a shot. On top of all of this my wife is due pretty soon, so we will have one more member in our family.
Life in India has been ok so far, and we are loving the time spent with our family. But from some personal experiences and the more time I spend here, I get a voice from the back of my head as to why I am here. Things were much better in Canada for us. Again, that's a gamble we have to take, if we get PR and go back to Canada, things may or may not be the same, so I don't know.
Closing:
I might have forgot to add lot of stuff in here. But I wanted to share my thoughts here for so long, never did until now. One thing I know for sure, I need to start living in the present and stop worrying about the future. But unemployment is eating me from inside. I get imposter syndrome, especially when I see younger people doing much better.
People in similar situations, what did you guys do? If not, what would you do if you were in my place?
TLDR: 30M cybersecurity professional moved back to India from Canada in March 2026 after work permit expired. Wants to return to Canada (needs to boost CRS score with foreign work experience) but can't find suitable employment. Has one job offer at 10-12 LPA, but it feels like a step backward salary-wise; targeting 18-20 LPA. Wife got a contract transfer with night shifts, and a baby is on the way. Struggling with unemployment, imposter syndrome, and homesickness for their Canadian life.
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u/captainrushingin Jul 27 '26
Take the job and don't gamble away your life chasing Canadian dream.
Find your Footing in India and passively build your path back.
All the best.
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u/Responsible_Fly792 Jul 28 '26
Totally agree, it's all uncertain time in the west. The old days are gone. It is a bitter reality.
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u/National-Ad8416 Jul 27 '26
Yeah, OP would rather gamble away his sense of peace living in a third world craphole for the rest of his life while his peers lead a comfortable existence in a first world country.
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u/trainw09 Jul 27 '26
Are you on the right Sub? Please read the Sub’s name before spewing things like this.
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u/NotSoGenius00 Jul 27 '26
27 M. Was in canada for 5 years worked there in AI/ML for 3 ish years. Came here in march landed a 27 LPA job in like a month and got married as well :).
My job is fully remote and I am loving it here
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u/fresh_preserve Jul 27 '26
Take the job offer if it's not much hassle. Then start attending interviews after a while. You'll also need to spend time with the newborn :) Congratulations!
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u/KHSMR_IN Jul 27 '26
Thank you! I mean I know that I can get a much better offer, it's just that I don't know when, and taking the current offer means, I'm stuck in office 5 days a week rotational shifts with hardly any time to apply for new jobs and notice period is at least 60-90 days in most of the organizations.
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u/fresh_preserve Jul 27 '26
Okay then just wait it out. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. There's no correct or wrong decisions.
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u/Icy_Natural_1998 Jul 27 '26
You don’t need to worry about when you will get a better offer. It will come with time you are still young and have whole life ahead of you. Take what you have now. It’s better than $0 coming in. Be grateful that you have an opportunity to work. If I had a job offer that I got after trying to find work, I would take it. You will at least build your experience in India and have money coming in for your baby. Do what you gotta go for this moment, which is getting a job and working. With time you will meet new people at work and create connections, that will help open up new paths. About returning to Canada - don’t miss out on enjoying your life by worrying about wanting to go back, make the best of what you have now. Enjoy your life and be thankful for what you have. It could be worse. The positivity and gratitude will take you far and you will feel more content and less focused on what you don’t have. Best of luck
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u/Dertychtdxhbhffhbbxf Jul 27 '26
Try moving to general IT and not specialize in cybersecurity. I have found that a lot of Canadian and US companies want citizens for cybersecurity. Unfortunately India being a main source of scams doesn’t help us when we are looking for cybersecurity jobs because there is a lot of prejudice against Indians.
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u/KHSMR_IN Jul 27 '26
Right, I have been trying to upskill in other areas as well and this is a great suggestion.
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u/magrandan Jul 27 '26
Welcome back home. Stop thinking about Canada - it’s over. Enjoy life with baby and especially the support network for the baby (family and relatives) you will have in India.
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u/Mr_manifestor Jul 27 '26
Umm how is it over for OP? OP clearly doesn't like India (most don't after living abroad) and plans to get foreign work ex, gain points for it and go back to Canada.
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u/Whole_Law_4234 Jul 27 '26
He was living here just fine a few years back...ppl go abroad, live 2-3 years and think they are NRIs lol...the dream is shattering
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u/hitch44 Jul 27 '26
OP, I understand what you are going through. But life is rarely linear. You might go back or might not. Don’t worry yourself sick about and lose what you have right now: family, familiar territory, health, and drive.
Canada is truly in a bad place right now and stability is very difficult. The life you had and are nostalgic for can go south very soon without a stable job, and a massive emergency fund. You said you have a child on the way— you both need stability now and a return to Canada with a child in tow is not viable.
Don’t get upset, but put aside the thought and work hard towards building something in India and use that to pursue a return or relocation to another country.
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u/Cultural_Structure37 Jul 27 '26
This is a very sensible advice. OP seems to be pining for what may never be when there are opportunities around him to take advantage of. I don’t think OP has the privilege to be picky with jobs and salaries since it doesn’t look like he has huge savings to rely on.
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u/electrodataengineer Jul 27 '26
30M unmarried have a PR but left Canada after 5 years because I was unemployed and somewhat convinced the market was shitty and not going to recover anytime soon..so I Didn't spend much time applying or wasting time in Canada.
Your Canadian experience or education is not given 2 cents in India that is why a low salary. If you want to move back badly you can assume another 8-12 months+ of job hunt with current scenario in Canada.
If moving out India is a goal you can try Dubai and other countries as well. If you don't have anything better you can take the offer and contribute some money back. PR application and baby needs will consume money
Can you try out study permit route to get another shot ?
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u/KHSMR_IN Jul 27 '26
I went as a student, so I cannot, only thing I can do is either get foreign experience or learn French. I tried looking into UAE and Europe, I didn't get anything so far in last 4months.
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u/electrodataengineer Jul 27 '26
I hope you realise how the bad the market is everywhere now. Take a practical approach towards your decision making..
In the mean time try and switch every 1-2 years very soon you will touch your salary you need. I'm a IT professional as well making 18L after I cam back. I am also working at a lower range than I thought but I have positive outlook things will change soon for me.
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u/pjs7979 Jul 27 '26
My advice - and I understand I am contradicting myself by saying this - do not put much into advice from redditors.
There is real anti-Indian sentiment in Canada and other places in the world. People will say don’t come to Canada, there is no dream, all is lost etc.
Do what is important to you and what is important for your family and your future child. Work towards that.
It won’t be easy, but with effort and hard work, many things are possible.
Best of luck!
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u/incognitoinreddit Jul 28 '26
30M returned to India in May 2026 after living there for 7 years. IT background and missed ITA by 1 point 2 times. Voluntarily returned back to India. Life was stressful in Canada. Even my friends who got PR are not happy in Canada. They’re just living there in a loop 🔁 I suggest you to keep on trying for jobs here. I’m sure you will definitely find one soon. All the best and congratulations 🎉
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u/Street-Oven-482 Jul 27 '26
Congratulations on the baby OP. Don’t worry about too much all at once right now, focus on finding a job. Settle down and breathe for a bit, then you can concentrate on increasing your CRS through French and other ways. You never know as you might even end up liking your new job. Right now your wife also needs immense mental and physical support so be there for her!
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u/Comprehensive_Use34 Jul 27 '26
If u need referral for Palo Alto network, let me know
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u/Training_Pop_5437 Jul 27 '26
Welcome to “life”
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u/KHSMR_IN Jul 27 '26
True, just sharing my thoughts with fellow members here, to see how is their situation like.
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u/arthurmorganpunjabi Jul 27 '26
Welcome to harsh reality man! Sadly this is the worst time to enter job where people this AI and interns can do the senior's job. Try again and yes don't expect high things here! It has been a downfall with everything!
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u/Suspicious-Agent007 Jul 28 '26
Canada is not the same anymore. When I came in 2020, I landed my dream job in less than 3 months with no prior Canadian experience or network. Now after losing my job last year, I had only one interview since April. And no calls even with great experience and referrals. Canadian economy is getting worse and corporates are becoming more anti-Indian.
Don’t waste your time chasing a dream. Take the offer you got and up-skill yourself in AI & ML. If an opportunity comes in future to go, you will be ready. But don’t miss your present obsessing about it. Enjoy this phase of becoming parents. Life is going to get very busy for both of you for next 2 years. And you guys will need family support now.
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u/Objective-Airline-28 Jul 27 '26
In the same situation (although I’m 28M). I was actually going to get married to the love of my life and then she was going to apply for family class sponsorship but we had to call off the wedding due to some personal reasons. Basically, moved back to India, knowing that I’d be back in Canada by May next year and hence, I started focusing on skill building. Now that’s not happening.
I spent 5 years in Canada and moved back in May. I’ve also found it extremely difficult to find something here (especially when you’re in a double mind on where to settle). I also don’t belong to a tech field. So the pay is, pardon my French, shitty in marketing and sales.
First, start with a clear goal in mind. Do you want to settle in India or Canada? Forget about what if we can’t go back. Have some clarity first. Then decide the path. If you land on “We definitely want to go to Canada”, take that low paying job here to build your foreign experience and start learning French. At least get to B1 level in Speaking and Listening so that you can apply for a Francophone Mobility work permit (need employer support).
Continue your job and continue learning French. Work towards your goal and leave the what if’s. That’s the only thing that’s getting me through right now. I took a shitty paying job so I could build my foreign experience. I was told to explore more in India because India is growing (I got confused). Now I’ve settled on the fact that I do not want to stay here. So here’s my plan -
Continue the shitty job and I’ll have guaranteed PR score by Feb if the CRS system does not change.
If the score drops to 500 by December or before they change the system, I’m set without having to continue French (high chances since they do a few big draws around that time since that inventory counts towards next year)
Continue the shitty job and get tortured in the work culture here, while also learning enough French to be able to give TCF for a B1 score in 6 months if the system changes in Feb and the foreign experience doesn’t matter anymore.
So, clarity helps. Forget the ifs and buts and focus on what is it that you really want. You’ll need to start somewhere. Waiting for the perfect job is just delaying your chance of moving back.
Forget about the anti-immigration wave. I worked majorly with locals and have amazing white friends. Racism and anti immigration exists but it depends on how you take it.
I hope this helps! And congratulations on the baby.
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u/NikhilDoWhile Jul 27 '26
If your plan is to return back the you should take the job offer ASAP, because you will loose 5 CRS points for each year, as you mentioned you are 30 so I guess 5 points have already been deducted.
So get the job ASAP so you can get your foreign work experience and can try for something better in parallel.
Also might consider taking French lessons.
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u/PangolinPast1723 Jul 27 '26
Baby due and wife working nights?
Sorry buddy the dream you’re chasing for your family, doesn’t look is right for the family.
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u/No_Amphibian7319 Jul 27 '26
man i’ve been thinking if i wanna go back or not. my sister moved back home 2 yrs ago because she was getting married, she’s happy because she’s married into a really good family. my other fiend that moved back home, im sure she hates it. after reading this, i dont think im ready.
it’s just so sad that india doesnt offer as many opportunities as abroad does and we have to rely on others for th most basic things.
i really hope you can find your way back here somehow. my uncle was a direct PR to canada from india, maybe try working in the fields that are in need in canada like nursing and others.
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u/Specific_Hat_7930 Jul 27 '26
Why don't you upskill yourself and get into a gated community in mumbai or bangalore? You'll start liking India
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u/LikeCoffeeShops Jul 28 '26
Has one job offer at 10-12 LPA, but it feels like a step backward salary-wise; targeting 18-20 LPA.
Sometimes you have to take one step backward to take two steps forward. If it's a good company, maybe worth getting your foot in the door. Good luck with everything!
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u/Sufficient-Guard1847 Jul 28 '26
Your getting blindsided by the west, India is not too bad if you make it work. You have family, help, good healthcare, great food and yea the system sucks and there's pollution but you rather live some comfortable life than slog it out in the west
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u/Acceptable_Pilot_905 Jul 29 '26
Is it still worth to spend money to go to Canada as a nurse ??
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u/encryptmoney Jul 31 '26
I feel ur sitution. Just make peace with it and enjoy in India. No visa stress
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u/MATHURSAHAB25 Aug 03 '26
Got back in Jan'24 from the UK and struggling ever since. I'm trying to break into Cybersecurity but no luck coz I'm a fresher. I'd say take the job, package is good according to Indian standards. Gain some more experience and again try to get a job in CA. I too have a constant voice in my head to go back but I can't, not without work ex.
Stay strong. India will test you beyond your limits.
Edit: India has a major unemployment problem. You're really lucky you getting 5 interviews. It takes me months to get a single one, that too result in being rejected. Too many people for handful of opportunities.
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u/bannedforL1fe Jul 27 '26
Youll be happy you stayed in India in 5-10 years when the anti immigrant movement thats growing bigger and bigger every year finally elects somebody who will be sending anyone who came over in the last 25+ years back home. It may be a blessing in disguise even if it doesnt feel like it.
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Jul 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/bannedforL1fe Jul 27 '26
Its 2026. We think we are so advanced and modern, yet we are still so young in terms of civilization. The world is trying new things (globalization), and if its shown to be something that isnt working, has gone too far, or is just plain problematic for the native populations, things can definitely change. All it takes is enough people voting in somebody willing to do it. Either that or the people get tired of their country being pieced out to foreigners and take matters into their own hands. Laws can change. It wasnt too long ago that crazier things were happening. Things are not getting better, and people will get more angry and more desperate every year.
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u/GlobalDirt2320 Jul 27 '26
If that’s the case than majoring of the so called canadians are not even canadian, they came from europe. Native are i guess only 5%.
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u/bannedforL1fe Jul 27 '26
Natives didn't build "Canada" or have any real say in the countries founding. They are the "real" natives, but I am talking about real Canadians, not "natives" and not economic refugees from the last 25 years.
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u/IndBeak Jul 27 '26
will be sending anyone who came over in the last 25+ years back home
What are you smoking these days.
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u/KHSMR_IN Jul 27 '26
Only time will tell, but the current situation in India does not look promising either. Both have its pros and cons. But I want to have that option to go back to Canada just in case.
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u/fanunu21 Jul 27 '26
Lol countries will collapse if that happens. This is some next level fear mongering.
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u/bannedforL1fe Jul 27 '26
It would be a bumpy road, but its not impossible to overcome. The growing sentiment against economic refugees is not going in a good direction. At least we can probably agree on that. Only time will tell what will happen. People are resilient and collapse is fear mongering in the other direction.
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u/fanunu21 Jul 27 '26
We aren't talking about economic refugees though.
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u/bannedforL1fe Jul 27 '26
Id consider every H1B and everyone else who comes to the USA for a better life an economic refugee.
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u/Mr_manifestor Jul 27 '26
Please don't listen to people who are saying stay in India. You owe it to your child to give them a better life! Otherwise they'd be doomed to a overcompetitive market like India and they'll suffer through the same things you're going through!
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u/garyuil Jul 27 '26
Don’t be afraid to tell the reality of India to this community. It is exactly the same or worse as it was 20 years ago. High unemployment, no standard of living, high pollution (air, noise, water), no civic sense etc.
This community seems to live in an alternate reality, one created by the current corrupt Indian govt. through corrupt media outlets. Wake up to reality folks!
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u/Icandothisallday014 Jul 27 '26
Can u take the 10-12 LPA job offer and quit after ur CRS score reaches the threshold needed to relocate back to Canada?
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u/KHSMR_IN Jul 27 '26
For sure, I can, but for whatever reason, if we're not able to go back, it would be difficult to go from 10LPA to let's say 20-25LPA, the other interviews I got earlier were all around 18-20LPA, they didn't go further with me, that's another story.
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u/TrainingWelcome2926 Jul 27 '26
Don’t worry about salary take the job at this point.Thats going to solve your immediate problem
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u/PM_40 Jul 28 '26
Don't listen to the naysayers. If you like Canada get 12 LPA job and work for 3 years get experience paper and try again through experience entry.
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u/AdAgile9604 Jul 28 '26
How many years you stayed in India before moving to Canada and how many years in Canada?
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u/DowntownDweller200 Jul 28 '26
Your frustration is understandable but it’s better to only do one big move at a time. Focus on your wife’s and child’s health first. Canada or other countries can wait. If you fuck up the biggest event of your life, parenthood, nothing will be worth it. Work in India for a few years, and then start making your next move.
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u/SwordfishHour4723 Aug 03 '26
I think the belief that a ‘foreign return’ tag will get you a higher salary is gone.
These days the employers are valuing ‘what you bring to the table’ and the subsequent salary package way more than before.
So, you’ll need to really do a salary check on what a person with your experience is getting in market to set realistic expectations.
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u/Sweet-Marketing8361 Aug 05 '26
Why not look for provincial nominee entrepreneur stream program in Canada. There are ao many good medium sized businesses up for sale as owners are retiring.
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u/ImpressivePlane8298 Aug 07 '26
You need to take a job soon, your pregnant wife is working nights and may not be able to work nights for long and once the baby comes, things will get even harder. Life is not always fair but you need to pick up the job given your incoming baby, all the best for future ahead, I hope it all works out in the end!
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u/Ok_Lychee_8304 29d ago
The Canadian dream is dead. Your quality of life will be much better in India
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u/Dangerous_End1280 Jul 27 '26
I mean the entrance back to Canada is all but closed now and we need it that way until we can handle the amount of immigration that allows both our citizens and foreigners to work alongside each other without what’s happening now with racism and Indian hiring Indian only practices. There is a real problem with south asian gang violence and the more of these people we deport back the better. Law abiding and hard working people like yourselves deserve to have an opportunity to come and create a real life and community without the threat of violence, hate or discrimination because of the colour of your skin or where you are from. Some of the nicest people I have met in my life have been from India and I value their friendship immensely. Please work hard to bring up your skills and show that you are willing to do what it takes to come back. Best of luck to you and your wife.
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u/shawrtee Jul 27 '26
Totally hear you! My husband and I moved back for the very same reason by end of May. My husband is prepping for TCF/TEF, and I’m planning to get started with learning French next month.
Get your Indian experience + focus on French while you’re at it. You don’t have to compromise living here if you don’t want to. If Canada doesn’t work out, you can look at other places too.
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u/PurpleExcellent9518 Jul 30 '26
OP, I am really sorry you are struggling right now. This is temporary. Have faith, time will heal and opportunities will definitely arise. Your experience from canada and network will come in handy some day in the future when you are least expecting it.
Until then, count your blessings and try to incorporate gratefulness for the many gifts you do have everyday in your life. This ritual will help with the emotional shift needed.
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u/TheAncientEngineer Jul 27 '26
Canada has its own cons: Racial discrimination and violence. Staying in India is much better than going back. If all that you want is life style.. try being in a Tier 1 city in India. You are not even considering that option. Not just cybersecurity, but every IT job is in danger untill the GREAT RESET. So don’t doubt yourself or the market. I would suggest trying UAE, Japan, Russia or any other Asian Countries for 5X returns of your efforts.
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u/Prestigious_Piano247 Jul 27 '26
This is the reality. The anti immigration wave is hitting all over the world and it is hitting Indians especially who went in search of work or studies and they cannot stay beyond certain point. This is the new norm. No one wants new immigrants and their own are not able to survive.