Maple News reports that as one of the world’s top immigration destinations, Canada often finds itself at the center of widespread myths and misconceptions. Whether through social media, internet forums, or word-of-mouth, portrayals of life in Canada can often be skewed—either overly optimistic or unfairly critical. To help newcomers set realistic expectations, we break down four of the most common myths about life in Canada, starting with employment challenges.
Misconception 1: Newcomers immediately land jobs in their chosen field
One of the most persistent assumptions is that immigrants can seamlessly transition into the Canadian workforce and quickly land jobs that reflect their qualifications and experience. In reality, the job market can be competitive and complex, even for long-time residents.
According to Maple News, while Canada faces labor shortages in many sectors, newcomers can take several months—sometimes up to six—to secure stable employment. The hiring process itself is often long; employers sift through hundreds of applicants and conduct multi-phase interviews, meaning even getting called for that first interview could take weeks.
A key barrier for newcomers is the “skills mismatch” challenge. This occurs when immigrants, despite having strong credentials and industry experience from their home countries, struggle to meet Canadian employers’ expectations. Factors like unfamiliarity with local practices, non-recognition of foreign qualifications, or lack of ‘Canadian experience’ can slow the job search significantly.
Newcomers are encouraged to take advantage of settlement services, credential recognition programs, and job readiness workshops to ease the transition. Networking, volunteering, and seeking mentor support can also prove immensely valuable.
More myths—including those related to healthcare, cost of living, and cultural integration—will be explored in Maple News’ upcoming segments.
Understanding the realities of settling in Canada helps newcomers navigate challenges with patience and resilience, reinforcing that while success is possible, it often requires time, planning, and support.