From Cairo to Dubai and Onward to Canada: An Engineer's Journey
The Move to Dubai
My name is Ahmed, and I’m a 32-year-old civil engineer originally from Cairo, Egypt. In 2016, I decided to move to Dubai in search of better career opportunities and a higher quality of life. Dubai was appealing due to its thriving construction industry and tax-free income. I secured a job with a multinational construction company, which sponsored my work visa — a process that was surprisingly smooth and took about two months.
Life in Dubai
Dubai was a whirlwind of new experiences. The salary was significantly better than back home, allowing me to save money and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. However, the cost of living was higher than anticipated, particularly rent and schooling for my two children. The work-life balance was also challenging, with long hours and high expectations. Despite these challenges, Dubai served as an excellent stepping stone in my career, allowing me to gain international experience and expand my professional network.
The Decision to Move to Canada
After three years in Dubai, my family and I began considering a move to Canada. We wanted permanent residency options and better educational opportunities for our kids. I applied for the Express Entry program under the Federal Skilled Worker category. The process was rigorous, involving language tests, credential assessments, and plenty of paperwork.
Challenges and Successes
The Express Entry process was not without its challenges. We encountered a delay due to missing documents, which set us back by several months. Additionally, the cost of the application and associated fees was higher than expected, totaling around CAD 5,000. However, in 2020, we received our Invitation to Apply (ITA) and eventually secured our permanent residency.
Life in Canada
Settling in Toronto was an adjustment, but we were welcomed by a supportive expat community. Finding a job was initially difficult, but my experience in Dubai made me a competitive candidate. The biggest win was the peace of mind that came with permanent residency and the opportunities for our children.
Tips for Other Migrants
1. Research Thoroughly: Understand the cost of living in your new country, especially housing and schooling, to avoid surprises.
2. Network: Building a professional network can open doors and is invaluable when searching for jobs.
3. Prepare Financially: Have a financial cushion to cover unexpected costs during the immigration process.
Conclusion
Our journey from Egypt to Dubai and then Canada was filled with ups and downs, but it ultimately led to a more stable and fulfilling life. Dubai was a crucial stepping stone, providing the experience and resources needed to make our Canadian dream a reality.