Maple News reports on the remarkable journey of an Indian chartered accountant who navigated the challenges of immigration during one of the most turbulent periods in recent history—the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After more than seven years in the advisory divisions of two Big Four firms in India, the professional made the life-altering decision to immigrate to Canada and pursue his dream of living and working in the West. Armed with a strong professional track record and a newly issued Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), he declined a lucrative job offer in India and planned his move for March 2020.
However, just days before his departure, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and Canada promptly sealed its borders. Although the country allowed permanent residents to enter, COPR holders found themselves in a grey area without clear guidance. Forced to postpone his travel, he watched his dream job slip away as global uncertainty spiraled.
Initially hopeful that this would just be a temporary delay, reality soon proved harsher. A week after Canada granted exemptions for COPR holders, India imposed one of the world’s strictest lockdowns. International flights were canceled, and even local movement was restricted to essential activities like grocery shopping.
Despite receiving approval from Canada, he found himself stuck—unable to enter the country, unable to apply for jobs due to the absence of a Social Insurance Number, and unable to resume work in India due to the unclear timeline from the Canadian government. His financial losses mounted, with over $2,800 spent on canceled flights, and emotional strain took a heavy toll.
Eight months of waiting became a test of resilience. With no job opportunities either in India or Canada and no support system to rely on, his dream seemed perilously close to collapse. “Everything felt frozen—career, finances, and even my sense of purpose,” he recalled.
While the article stops short of detailing how he eventually overcame these hurdles and secured a job in Canada, his story is a testament to the perseverance required in the face of unforeseen adversity. It also underscores the urgent need for more transparent and supportive immigration processes—especially in times of crisis.
Maple News continues to follow stories like his to provide aspiring immigrants with real-world insights into the Canadian immigration journey. His experience highlights not just the value of preparation and credentials, but the resilience needed to adapt when plans fall apart.