The cost of the Canadian dream

Hamed Heydarzadeh and his wife Mansooreh Fereidooni made a life-changing decision to leave Iran in 2020. Before their departure, they sold their car and most of their assets, investing in a private tutor to improve their English skills for a year. The couple, aged 40 and 35 respectively, were motivated to leave their home country due to political reasons, as they opposed the regime in Iran.

Heydarzadeh explained to CBC News, “We were looking for peace in our life. We had many problems there, especially for my wife in Iran around hijab and other super strict rules. We wanted to move to somewhere that we don’t have to think about these issues that we have in our life.” Their journey to Canada cost them five years and $50,000, but now they are facing uncertainty as they struggle to obtain permanent residency.

Canada has long been a popular destination for immigrants seeking stability and safety, with a clear path to permanent residency. However, many recent newcomers are finding the process to be expensive and challenging. In interviews with 50 newcomers from various immigration streams, the consensus was that the Canadian dream may not be worth the cost. Some are even considering leaving the country if they are unable to secure permanent residency.

As the federal government tightens immigration policies in response to criticism, the competition for residency is expected to increase. This leaves newcomers like Heydarzadeh and Fereidooni in a precarious position, unsure of their future in Canada. Whether they will be able to stay and build a life in the country or have to start over elsewhere remains to be seen. The Canadian dream, once a beacon of hope for immigrants, is now clouded with uncertainty and challenges.