Our Immigration Stories - As Told By Canadian Immigrants

Is Moving to Canada Worth It? An Immigrant Mom’s Honest Story

Check Your Eligibility to Study in Canada as an International Student - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/studyloan [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/studyloan]   Moving to Canada as a skilled professional sounds straightforward—until you realize you may have to start over. In this episode of Momversations, Onyeka shares her journey from trained pharmacist to nurse, navigating life as an international student, building a career in Canada, becoming a permanent resident, and eventually becoming a mother far away from the village she once relied on. We talk about the reality of credential recognition in Canada, career transitions, healthcare jobs, motherhood, childcare challenges, mom guilt, and what it feels like to raise a child without nearby family support. If you're an international student, healthcare professional, immigrant parent, newcomer to Canada, or someone navigating a major life transition, this conversation will resonate with you.🔗 Watch This Next: More Immigration & Motherhood Stories:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3 [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3] Book a Financial Clarity Call:https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker] Connect with Onyeka: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyekaasamaka/ [https://www.instagram.com/onyekaasamaka/]  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/onyekaasamaka [https://www.youtube.com/c/onyekaasamaka]  This episode is about immigration, motherhood, healthcare careers, community, identity, resilience, and rebuilding your life in Canada. What you'll learn: 00:00 - Introduction01:46 - Arriving in Canada as a Pharmacist02:39 - Why Her Original Career Plan Changed04:40 - Choosing Nursing Over Pharmacy06:03 - International Student Challenges 06:58 - Study loan recommendation08:21 - Canada's Healthcare System Reality14:16 - Struggle in healthcare jobs18:08 - Becoming a Mother in Canada23:33 - Raising a Child Without Family Nearby31:11 - Advice for Immigrant Moms38:00 -39:42 - Final Thoughts 📌 Connect with Kristina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/ [https://www.instagram.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/ [https://www.facebook.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mcpherson-pmp%C2%AE-b-arch-60b34a68/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mcpherson-pmp%C2%AE-b-arch-60b34a68/] --- Subscribe to As Told By Canadian Immigrants: https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants [https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants] Support Us: https://www.paypal.me/astoldbyCanadian\ [https://www.paypal.me/astoldbyCanadian%5C] About: As Told By Canadian Immigrants shares honest conversations about immigration, entrepreneurship, motherhood, family, identity, caregiving, and building a meaningful life in Canada. Through real stories and practical discussions, we help immigrants and families feel seen, informed, and empowered. #Momversations #ImmigrantMoms #LifeInCanada #InternationalStudent #HealthcareWorkers #NursingInCanada #Pharmacist #CanadianImmigrants #Motherhood #WorkingMoms #ImmigrantLife #NewcomerCanada #WomenInHealthcare #MomLife #CareerChange

What It Really Takes to Be a Mom Entrepreneur in Canada | First-Generation Immigrant Mom

A first generation Canadian mom shares the real cost of entrepreneurship, caregiving, culture, and motherhood.🔴 Watch more conversations from this series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3 [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3]Learn more about ByBlacks Restaurant Week - https://byblacks.com [https://byblacks.com]-----📌 Connect with Kristina:Book a Financial Clarity Call: https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker]Subscribe to As Told By Canadian Immigrants:https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants [https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants]🚨 Talk to an Immigration Consultanthttps://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant]📩 Join our free email list to stay connected - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about]-----📌 Connect with Nicole:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarcanerestaurant [https://www.instagram.com/sugarcanerestaurant]Website: https://www.sugarcanerestaurant.ca [https://www.sugarcanerestaurant.ca]What you Will Learn0:00 - Immigrant Motherhood in Canada1:07 - Building Life After Immigration3:13 - Pivoting Into Entrepreneurship4:03 - The Truth About Business Ownership5:25 - Work Ethic From Immigrant Parents6:33 - Caring for Kids and Parents - The Sandwich Generation in Canada9:03 - Creating Systems for Family Life10:39 - Rebuilding Your Village in Canada13:28 - Dementia Care in Immigrant Families15:25 - Supporting Black-Owned Restaurants17:53 - Finding Balance as a Mom19:07 - Raising Children With Culture20:46 - Mothers Creating Stability-----In this episode of Momversations, Nicole Charles shares her journey as a first-generation Canadian entrepreneur, mother, daughter, and co-owner of a family business. We talk about the reality of entrepreneurship, the pressure of being needed by everyone at once, and what it takes to keep moving forward when your family, your child, and your business all depend on you.Nicole opens up about balancing motherhood with business ownership, caring for a parent with dementia, building a company alongside her sisters, and the lessons she learned from her immigrant parents' work ethic and resilience.If you're a mom entrepreneur, business owner, caregiver, immigrant family, or someone trying to balance multiple responsibilities at once, this conversation will resonate deeply.This episode is about entrepreneurship, motherhood, caregiving, family, resilience, and building a life while carrying responsibilities from every direction.You will also hear about SugarKane Restaurant in Toronto’s Greek Town, ByBlacks Restaurant Week, the importance of visibility for Black-owned restaurants, and how Caribbean food can help pass culture, identity, and community to the next generation. Canadian Immigrant StoriesAbout:As Told By Canadian Immigrants, hosted by Kristina McPherson, shares honest conversations about building life in Canada through the lens of immigrants and newcomers. From immigration and identity to money, parenting, relationships, career growth, and starting over, we explore the real experiences shaping life beyond the move itself. Through real stories and practical discussions, we help people feel seen, informed, and less alone as they navigate life in Canada.DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal financial, legal, immigration, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Always speak with a licensed professional who can assess your individual situation before making decisions. This episode is not sponsored.#Momversations #MomEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Motherhood #BusinessOwner #CanadianEntrepreneur #WorkingMom #WomenEntrepreneurs #CaregiverLife #ImmigrantFamilies #FirstGenerationCanadian #FamilyBusiness #WorkLifeBalance #CanadianImmigrants #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada #kristinamcpherson #astoldbycanadianimmigrants

She Moved to 5 Countries Before Canada: Here’s How She Found Stability

How do immigrant families build stability in Canada when life keeps changing? 🔴 Watch more Mom-Versations - As Told By Canadian Immigrants episodes - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3 [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3]===== Connect with Kristina Book a Financial Clarity Call:https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker]Connect with Dr Suzanne Davis:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannerdavis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannerdavis]Check out Restaurant Week:https://byblacks.com/restaurantweek [https://byblacks.com/restaurantweek]CHAPTERS0:00 - Life in Canada After Immigration1:06 - Immigrant Motherhood in Canada2:26 - Moving Countries With Children4:37 - Building Stability as Immigrants in Canada5:44 - Identity After Moving to Canada6:44 - Family Routines for Newcomers7:26 - Rebuilding Your Village in Canada8:18 - School Planning Before Moving9:00 - Preparing Children for Canada10:09 - Making Community After Immigration12:25 - Starting Over in Canada14:20 - Hardest Part of Relocating15:51 - Caregiving as an Immigrant Mom17:13 - What Home Means After Migration18:52 - Advice for Immigrant Families20:38 - Finding Your Village in Canada=====Ways to work with us:Watch more Canadian immigrant stories: ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4wuN9oX4c_8h2UiTxU3Ztt8 [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4wuN9oX4c_8h2UiTxU3Ztt8]Partner with As Told By Canadian Immigrants: ➡︎ https://astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/contact#collab [https://astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/contact#collab]📩 Join our free email list to stay connected ➡︎ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about]==== Community Feature Support Black-owned restaurants during ByBlacks Restaurant Week: https://byblacks.com/restaurantweek [https://byblacks.com/restaurantweek]#ImmigrantFamilies #LifeInCanada #CanadianImmigrants #MomVersationsMoving to Canada with family changes more than your address. For many immigrant families, it changes how you parent, how you build community, how your children experience home, and how you create stability when everything around you keeps changing.In this episode of Mom-Versations: As Told By Canadian Immigrants, Kristina McPherson sits down with Dr. Suzanne Davis to talk about raising children across countries, rebuilding community, staying rooted in identity, and creating family stability through change. After moving between Jamaica, Germany, New York, Canada, and South Africa, Dr. Davis shares what she has learned about motherhood, faith, routines, caregiving, diplomacy, and building a village wherever life takes you.This conversation is for aspiring immigrants researching life in Canada, newcomers already navigating settlement, immigrant mothers, first-generation Canadians, and families trying to understand what it really takes to start over. Whether you are thinking about moving to Canada, recently arrived on a study permit or work permit, working toward PR, or rebuilding your family life after immigration, this episode offers a deeper look at the emotional and practical side of building stability in Canada.Our mission here at As Told By Canadian Immigrants is to share honest conversations about immigration, identity, family, rebuilding, and what it really means to start over in Canada.Disclaimer: This content is for storytelling, education, and community conversation only. It is not legal, immigration, financial, medical, or mental health advice. Please consult the appropriate qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.#canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada #Momversations #ImmigrantMoms #Motherhood #ImmigrantStory #LifeInCanada #RaisingKids #ParentingPodcast #JamaicanDiaspora #ImmigrantLife #CanadianImmigrants #MotherhoodJourney #DiasporaStories #FamilyAbroad #WomenWhoInspire #ImmigrantFamilies

The High-Paying Canadian Jobs Immigrants Are Ignoring!

🔴 Check your eligibility and study skilled trades programs in Canada with Passage - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/trades [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/trades]Stop Guessing Which Immigration Path Is Right for You ➡︎ http://astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/course [http://astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/course]This video is sponsored by Passage Inc. Some links included may be affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive compensation if you choose to use them, at no additional cost to you.=Talk to a Canadian Immigration Consultant: ➡︎ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant]Join our free email list to stay connected: ➡︎ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about]=CHAPTERS0:00 - Skilled Trades in Canada2:21 - Moving to Canada from Pakistan6:02 - Study Trades in Canada7:17 - How Newcomers Find Jobs10:01 - Why Immigrants Avoid Trades12:53 - Skilled Trades Myths16:16 - Trades Salary in Canada18:38 - PR Pathways for Trades23:29 - Jobs Beyond Construction25:18 - Career Growth in Trades32:48 - Hidden Jobs for Newcomers36:00 - Women in Skilled Trades38:05 - Immigration Pathways Explained39:49 - Is Canada Still Worth It?#SkilledTradesCanada #CanadaImmigration #NewcomersCanada #ImmigrantsInCanada #lifeincanada In this episode of As Told By Canadian Immigrants, Kristina McPherson sits down with Mustafa Ansari to talk about skilled trades in Canada, why many immigrants and newcomers overlook trades careers, and how these pathways may create real opportunities for people trying to build a stable life in Canada.Mustafa shares his own journey from Pakistan to Canada, his original dream of working in corporate Toronto, and how he eventually discovered the trades industry through marketing, workforce development, and newcomer-focused programs. The conversation explores trades salaries, common misconceptions, women in skilled trades, safety, career growth, adjacent roles, and why newcomers should think beyond traditional job titles when building a future in Canada.In this video, you’ll learn:- Why skilled trades in Canada are worth exploring- Common misconceptions immigrants have about trades jobs- How trades careers can connect to PR and long-term stability- Why trades are not only hands-on roles- How networking can open unexpected career doors- Why newcomers should stay open to opportunities they did not originally plan for=As Told By Canadian Immigrants, hosted by Kristina McPherson, shares honest conversations about building life in Canada through the lens of immigrants and newcomers. From immigration and identity to money, parenting, relationships, career growth, and starting over, we explore the real experiences shaping life beyond the move itself.Our mission is to help immigrants eliminate confusion, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about studying, working, and building a life in Canada — turning confusion into clarity, isolation into belonging, and survival into success.Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal financial, legal, immigration, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Always speak with a licensed professional who can assess your individual situation before making decisions. #canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada

Moving to Canada With Family: The Part No One Warns You About

Caring for aging parents while raising children can leave you overwhelmed, guilty, and stretched as an immigrant thin in the sandwich generation. Canada Book a Financial Clarity Call ➡ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker] If you’re raising children while also worrying about aging parents, family responsibilities, money, grief, and the pressure to keep everyone okay, this conversation will feel familiar. In this episode, Kristina speaks with Chantel Escoffrey of The Sandwich Years and her daughter Kay about caregiver guilt, family caregiving, rebuilding your village, and what it means to be part of the sandwich generation. Through the lens of immigration, motherhood, and life in Canada, this conversation gives language to the hidden weight so many women carry when everyone seems to need them at the same time. Living in Canada Watch This Next: More Immigration & Motherhood Stories - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3&si=ut3tqQRtS2xwGT2P [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3&si=ut3tqQRtS2xwGT2P] Connect with Chantel: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandwichyears [https://www.instagram.com/sandwichyears] • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandwichyears [https://www.facebook.com/sandwichyears] Connect with Kay: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayje22 [https://www.instagram.com/kayje22] Connect with Kristina: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/ [https://www.instagram.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/] • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/ [https://www.facebook.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/] • Blog: https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/blog [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/blog] Subscribe to As Told By Canadian Immigrants: https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants [https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants] 🚨 Talk to an Immigration Consultant https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant] 📩 Resource hub for immigrant families in Canada. Join our free email list. https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about] ⏰ Chapters ⏰ * 0:00 - The Guilt Caregivers Carry * 0:59 - Meet Chantel and Kay * 1:23 - Growing Up Immigrant * 5:22 - Rebuilding the Village * 9:21 - What Felt Normal * 12:26 - Naming the Sandwich Years * 13:11 - Sandwich Generation Explained * 14:58 - Financial Stability in Canada * 16:38 - Caring Across Borders * 19:03 - When Village Feels Heavy * 21:22 - Building Your Own Village * 24:29 - Grandparents and Memories * 26:31 - Caregiver Guilt * 28:14 - The Children Are Watching * 29:01 - Kay’s Village Experience * 30:32 - Seeing Mom’s Heaviness * 32:37 - Moms Carry Quiet Pain * 49:04 - Rebuilding Is Part of It * 50:01 - Share Your Experience * 51:12 - What’s Coming Next #SandwichGeneration #AgingParents #CaregiverGuilt #FamilyCaregiving #CaregiverBurnoutSupport Us -------- https://www.paypal.me/astoldbyCanadianAs Told By Canadian Immigrants, hosted by Kristina McPherson, shares honest conversations about building life in Canada through the lens of immigrants and newcomers. From immigration and identity to money, parenting, relationships, career growth, and starting over, we explore the real experiences shaping life beyond the move itself. Through real stories and practical discussions, we help people feel seen, informed, and less alone as they navigate life in Canada. DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal financial, legal, immigration, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Always speak with a licensed professional who can assess your individual situation before making decisions. This video is not sponsored. Some links included may be affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive compensation if you choose to use them, at no additional cost to you. All opinions and experiences shared are intended to support informed decision-making, not replace professional advice. Learn More - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about#disclaimer [https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about#disclaimer]#canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada