Settling in a new country can be challenging. It can take time to find your feet and feel at home. This is especially true if you’re traveling across the world, from India to Canada, for instance. Everything can feel different. From the cold winter months to the cultural nuances to the lack of familiarity.
Fortunately, the country has a massive population of Indian immigrants who come to work in Canada as economic immigrants. In fact, India is the largest source of foreign workers immigrating in Canada, and in the last ten years, Indian immigration to Canada has more than tripled. So, though your life in Canada will be quite different than in India, you can hopefully find a sense of place and connection among its growing Indian community.
If you’re an Indian immigrant thinking of moving to Canada, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your transition. Let’s get into them.
Consider Where to Settle
Canada is a massive country, home to over 40 million people. In fact, it’s the second-largest country worldwide, taking up about 2-5ths of North America. And Canada's population is actually quite small in relation to the vast amount of land it occupies. To be as specific as possible, it equates to just 4.24 people per square kilometer.
So, much of Canada is taken up by wildlife and unaccompanied by people. For the most part, its population is concentrated in cities and towns. And, when it comes to diversity, most of it is relegated to cities. This is all to say that it’s important to consider where you choose to make a home in Canada.
As an Indian immigrant, you may want to be mindful of where the majority of Canada’s Indian population has settled. Moving to an area with a sizeable Indian population can go a long way in helping you transition into Canadian culture. It can bring a sense of familiarity and connection, as you have others around you who know where you’re coming from. This is especially true if you’re not fluent in English or if you’re prone to homesickness.
The numbers below are the approximate number of Indian Canadians living throughout the country:
- Ontario: 774,495
- Manitoba: 34,470
- Saskatchewan: 18,695
- British Columbia: 309, 315
- Alberta: 174, 505
- Quebec: 51, 650
- Northwest Territories: 360
- Yukon: 320
- Nova Scotia: 6,255
- New Brunswick: 2,145
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 18,20
- Prince Edward Island: 615
- Nunavut: 65
It’s also important to be mindful of where Canada’s Indian population is concentrated within each Canadian province. In Ontario’s case, most of it lives within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). As of the 2016 census, Canada counted almost 308,000 Indian citizens settled in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as permanent residents or naturalized Canadian citizens.
Keep in mind that this number has grown substantially since then. In 2016, the number of Indian immigrants to Canada stood at 39,710, whereas in 2022, it sat at a staggering 118,095. So, the GTA’s Indian population has blown up. And much of it is settled in Brampton, which is a part of the GTA. The 2016 census revealed that almost 40% of the GTA’s Indian population lived in Brampton. As of 2022, 27.7 percent of Bramptons population is Indian.
If you’re immigrating to Canada and thinking of where to make a home, consider Brampton or the GTA as a whole. In addition to its sizable Indian population, you’ll find a vibrant multicultural environment filled with people, food, and art from all over the world.
Along with a range of events and connections, you'll find the region to be ripe with job opportunities, particularly in tech. In fact, the Canadian government has recently launched several immigration programs to attract foreign nations to sustain the country's economic growth. Skilled workers will find the GTA to be an ideal place for their Canadian permanent residence along with several other tech hubs across the country.
To learn more about Canada's immigration policy look into federal government programs like Express Entry, temporary foreign worker program, and other skilled worker opportunities. The information can be found on the Government of Canada's website.
As an international student, you can also look into the Canadian immigration system upon completing your studies to learn how international graduates can become permanent residents. There is also family sponsorship so if you have family members in Canada they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residency.
Reach out and Connect
Since Canada boasts such a sizeable Indian population, there are plenty of Indian community organizations and cultural associations. They provide a sense of familiarity, and help bridge the gap between Indian immigrants and Canadian culture.
For example, The Indian Canadian Organization works to connect with other communities by encouraging Indian immigrants to actively participate in Canadian society.
Along with community-based organizations, like the Indo-Canadian Community Centre (ICCC) located in Toronto, you can find a variety of other groups. If you’re immigrating to Canada, new to the country, or simply looking for a sense of community - you might want to consider participating in one.
If you’re an Indian student who came to study in Canada, consider connecting with a group like the Indian Students Association (ISA) at McGill University. They provide international students with a sense of belonging through cultural and other events.
Canada is also filled with a range of Indian Cultural Centers, such as the Hindu Cultural Centre in Markham, Ontario. Indian religious centers, such as Gurdwara Sahib in Mississauga, generally aren’t hard to find in urban centers.
If you’re a reader with a zest for Indian literature and language learning, you might enjoy Canada’s variety of Indian Language and Literature Groups, such as the Tamil Literary Garden (TLG) in Toronto.
If you’re an Indian woman looking for a sense of empowerment and connection, consider joining one of Canada's many Indian Women's Associations. The Indo-Canadian Womens Association, for instance, has a strong presence in Edmonton.
Keep in mind that these are just a handful of the many Indian community organizations and groups that Canada has to offer. If none of them are up your alley, do a bit of research, and you’re sure to find one that works for you. You can also check the following groups out:
- The Indian Association of Manitoba (IAM)
- Punjabi Cultural Association of Alberta (PCAA)
- India Canada Association (ICO)
- South Asian Women’s Association of Canada (SAWAC)
- India Canada Association of Saskatchewan
- Garvi Gujaret Association of Canada
- India Canada Cultural and Heritage Association
- Kerala Cultural Society of Alberta (CKCAA)
- Telugu Association of Montreal (TAM)
- Kannada Koota Vancouver
- The Marathi Bhashik Mandal (MBM)
- Sindhi Cultural Association of Toronto
Do yourself a favor and try one out. By connecting with like-minded individuals, you can hopefully find a sense of camaraderie in your experience in Canada.
It’s also important to remember the importance of branching out. Canada is home to people from all over the world, and embracing the cultural diversity that comes with it can be rewarding.
Toronto, in particular, is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. With no less than 200 languages spoken and over half of the city's population born outside of the country, Toronto is a vibrant, multicultural city.
It’s also been ranked the friendliest city in the world for non natives. Preply, an online language learning platform, has introduced the Community Spirit Index, a comprehensive ranking of 53 cities across the globe, evaluating their friendliness towards non-natives. And, Toronto stood out on top as having the most welcoming and friendly attitude.
So, try to reach out and meet new people. Along with making friends and building a community, it may also help you appreciate the beauty of Canada’s cultural mosaic.
Attend Festivals and Events
Canada also has a ton of Indian events to offer. These events not only bring together the Indian diaspora but also welcome people from all backgrounds to experience the beauty of Indian heritage. Here are some examples of Indian events that you can find in Canada:
Bollywood Monster Mashup
The largest South Asian event in Canada occurs annually in Mississauga, Ontario, featuring Bollywood performances, music, dance, and a grand finale concert.
Diwali Mela
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in various cities across Canada, with cultural performances, food stalls, and fireworks. If you’re located in Mississauga, check out The Sparkling Diwali Mela.
Vaisakhi Parade
Vaisakhi, a Sikh festival, is celebrated with colorful processions and festivities in cities throughout Canada. One of the largest in the country is in Surrey, BC.
Taste of India Food Festival
A culinary celebration showcasing Indian cuisine from different regions, held in cities like Ottawa and Toronto.
Holi Celebrations
Also known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is celebrated in cities like Montreal and Edmonton with vibrant powder play and cultural performances.
Toronto International South Asian Film Awards (TISAFA)
An event celebrating South Asian cinema with film screenings and award ceremonies.
Navratri Garba
Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with Garba and Dandiya Raas dance events in various Canadian cities, like Caledon.
Onam Celebrations
Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is celebrated with traditional dance, music, and elaborate feasts in cities with a significant Malayali community. Check out the Kerala Fest in Scarborough.
Eid Festivals
Muslim communities in Canada celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha with prayer gatherings, cultural events, and charity activities.
Pongal Celebrations
Tamil Canadians celebrate the harvest festival of Pongal with cultural programs and community gatherings. For example, the Tamil Culture Waterloo Region holds a Pongal celebration.
Canada India International Expo
An event showcasing Indian products, services, and culture held in Calgary.
There’s a lot of stress that comes with moving, let alone immigrating to a new country. From financial woes to job stresses and more. So, try your best to find time to relax and enjoy yourself. These events and festivals offer a chance to unwind and connect with others.
Make Use of Support Services
As an Indian immigrating to Canada, you deserve support. Canada is, after all, a country of immigration. Through its open-door policy toward immigration, Canada continues to build a multi-cultural hub with immigrants making up the largest portion of the population in over 150 years.
As a result, immigration is a large part of Canada’s national identity and has a lot to offer the country. It helps to strengthen the workforce with qualified workers and boosts the economy with taxes and spending on goods, housing, and transportation.
So, along with the fact that everyone deserves support, it is also in Canada’s interest to provide assistance and services to Indian immigrants. As a result, you can find an abundance of support services to help Indian immigrants as they settle and integrate into Canadian society.
Settlement Assistance
Organizations like the YMCA throughout Canada, and MOSAIC located in BC, provide guidance on housing, health care, and other essentials for newcomers.
Language Classes
The Toronto District School Board offers language training to improve English or French skills.
Employment Support
Agencies like the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) connect Indian immigrants with job opportunities in their fields.
Social Integration
Programs like the Canadian government's Canadian Immigrant Integration Program help immigrants feel at home in their community.
Credential Recognition
Organizations like the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) / CICDI assist with evaluating foreign credentials.
Health and Wellness Resources
Specialized clinics like the South Asian Health Institute cater to immigrants' healthcare needs.
Government Information
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides comprehensive immigration law and policy information.
Legal Aid
Organizations like the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario offer legal assistance to new immigrants.
Educational Support
Colleges and universities provide resources for Indian students. For example, McMaster University in Hamilton is home to the McMaster Indian Association. They may help guide international students on tuition fees, getting a study permit, understanding living expenses, improving their language skills, and much more.
These services aim to help Indian immigrants get their bearings in Canada. So, if you’re new to Canada or on your way, don’t hesitate to reach out for a helping hand. Having support and guidance can go a long way in helping you settle in.
It can help you navigate unfamiliar systems in Canada, such as healthcare, education, transportation, and legal processes. You can even get support with the process of finding a job and securing a work permit in Canada. Later, these organizations can help foreign nationals process their permanent resident status and Canadian citizenship as per Canada's legal requirements.
Understanding and accessing these systems can be challenging for newcomers, but community organizations and cultural associations are well-equipped to provide the necessary information and support.
Final Thoughts
Canada is home to a vibrant Indian community. As you immigrate to Canada, you can hopefully find solace in the presence of fellow Indians. It’s a brave move to immigrate across the world, and you deserve as much support as possible, so do your best to reach out and grab it. From support services to community groups and festivals, Canada has a lot to offer new Indian immigrants.
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