Niagara Region

One Immigrant’s Story

Joseph* came to Canada from Zimbabwe in December 2005. His English was excellent. He had a post-secondary degree, and a nursing certificate he had obtained during his three years living in the US before he crossed the border into Canada.

Joseph started out in temporary housing in St. Catharines in Niagara Region. As a refugee claimant, he had to wait for permission from immigration authorities before he could get a job. He used this time to volunteer in his field, making connections and gaining Canadian experience.

Joseph also relied on community agencies to help him get a start in Canada. He used government Social Assistance payments to move out of temporary housing into a permanent home. The Employment Help Centre helped him take the steps he needed to have his nursing degree recognized in Canada. A settlement agency helped him pay for the $175 College of Nurses Assessment Fee and the $215 College of Nurses Exam Fee. The agency also helped Joseph travel to his immigration hearing.

By April, 2006, Joseph had a work permit based on his accredited degree and certificate. He was hired for two part-time jobs as a Personal Support Worker. By May, he was granted Convention Refugee Status. Two months later, Joseph had a full-time job.

*Name has been changed