The pursuit of a dream job is often an exciting journey, marked by the quest for fulfillment and the opportunity to work with passion. For many, it’s the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, a role they’ve earned and eagerly anticipate. However, for skilled immigrants seeking to establish themselves in Canada and re-enter their chosen professions, the process can be daunting. It entails navigating through a whirlwind of emotions, workload, and uncertainty.
Skilled immigrants invest years in rigorous study, pouring their hearts and finances into obtaining credentials and accumulating invaluable experience in their fields. Yet, upon arriving in Canada, they often find themselves in positions where their expertise is under utilized, dampening their confidence and sense of belonging. Depending on their profession, it can take years for skilled immigrants to reclaim their dream careers, involving numerous assessments, exams, and the acquisition of Canadian work experience.
What begins as a dream swiftly transforms into a lifelong struggle, requiring immense dedication alongside fulfilling other responsibilities. This journey is not only heavy but also financially burdensome. Thankfully, existing programs like Recognition Counts at SEED Winnipeg offer a glimmer of hope. This initiative provides financial and career coaching and the opportunity to apply for loans of up to $30,000, which can cover expenses such as assessment fees, additional training, exams, living costs, study materials and more. Through programs like Recognition Counts, many skilled immigrants have successfully navigated the recredentialing process and returned to their fields of expertise, like Kasun Kulathunga.
