Filipino newcomers say the biggest challenges of moving to Canada often begin after they arrive, from finding work to adjusting to the high cost of living and building a new support system.
Their experiences reflect those of many newcomers, people who have recently immigrated to Canada through pathways such as permanent residence, international study, family sponsorship or temporary work.
While every journey is different, several Filipino newcomers said their first year was more challenging than they expected.
John Plagata, who moved from the Philippines to Canada as a permanent resident in 2024, said he believed life would become easier once he arrived.
“I thought everything would be easier once I got here, but I realized it takes time to adjust,” Plagata said.
“Finding work, getting used to the weather, and learning how things work here were more challenging than I expected.”
Statistics Canada has reported that many recent immigrants and international graduates require time to establish themselves in the Canadian workforce and often begin their careers outside their intended field while gaining Canadian work experience.
One of Plagata’s biggest surprises was the cost of living.
“The cost of living surprised me the most,” he said. “Rent and groceries were more expensive than I expected.”
He also underestimated how long it would take to find work.
“I wish someone had told me that finding your first job can take time, even if you already have work experience from the Philippines,” he said.
The value of building relationships
Cydrick Escat encountered similar challenges after arriving from Bulacan in August 2025 as an international student.
Escat said he expected Canada to provide quality education and career opportunities, but balancing school, work and daily responsibilities proved more demanding than anticipated.
“While those expectations were true to some extent, I didn’t anticipate how challenging it would be to balance daily responsibilities, work and school all at once,” Escat said.
“Life here requires a great deal of patience, effective time management and independence.”
He also found that finding work and managing his finances were harder than expected.
“It was competitive, especially when you don’t have work experience,” he said.
“You also need to organize expenses properly and be mindful of how you manage your money.”
Statistics Canada found that international student graduates generally have lower employment rates than Canadian graduates three years after graduation and are more likely to begin their careers in sales and service occupations.
Escat said one lesson he wished he had learned sooner was the value of building relationships.
“One thing that I wish I had known before moving to Canada is how important networking and connection with other people are,” he said.
“Things become more convenient when you have a support system and people you can rely on for guidance, opportunities and advice.”
Beyond employment and finances, both newcomers said adjusting emotionally was equally challenging.
For Plagata, the hardest part was living far from his family.
“Being away from my family was probably the hardest part,” he said. “I had to get used to doing everything on my own while adjusting to a completely new environment.”
Escat credited family friends with helping him settle into life in Canada.
“Their support and guidance made my transition much smoother than expected,” he said.
Avoid expecting immediate success
Anna Cabanog, who has lived in Canada for nearly five years, said newcomers should avoid expecting immediate success.
“Huwag mag-expect masyado (don’t expect too much),” she said.
She encouraged newcomers to stay determined and remain open to opportunities.
“Kayod lang. It’s easy if you focus and have determination. Maraming opportunities diyan. (Just keep grinding. There’s a lot of opportunities out there),” she said.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says newcomers commonly face challenge
s related to employment, housing and settlement during their first years in Canada.
The department encourages newcomers to access settlement, employment and language services to help ease their transition.
Looking back, both Plagata and Escat said they would have prepared differently before leaving the Philippines by researching Canada’s job market and cost of living more thoroughly.
Despite the challenges, neither regretted making the move.
“Come with an open mind and be patient,” Plagata said.
“Things might not go the way you expect at first, but if you keep working hard and stay positive, everything will get better.”
Escat shared a similar message.
“Be prepared and be ready to step out of your comfort zone,” he said.
“Keep grabbing opportunities and don’t be afraid to try new things, because everything will eventually work out with time and effort.”
