- Learn about your destination country—because immigration policies are very different for the United States and Canada.
- Start looking for a job before you move. Do you know the latest requirements for a work visa?
- Because you will be communicating remotely, learn how to conduct successful phone and video interviews.
- Or, if you are an international student in Canada, familiarize yourself with visa policies. For example, learn how different majors can affect how long you can stay and work after graduation.
- Prepare for professional success by learning about local workplace culture and what steps are necessary to advance in your field.
- Develop your transferable skills, so you can find a new job easily based on your existing qualifications.
- Make sure you know about the most common visa scams—and how to avoid them.
- Practice your English skills, and determine what type of language test you might need to take to prove your reading and writing proficiency.
- Determine if you need a credential evaluation. Many employers and academic institutions prefer that international candidates demonstrate their past education and training through an equivalency report.
- Apply for a credential evaluation early, so that your report will be ready on time.
- Look for loans, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid resources to help reduce your costs.
- Protect your mental health. Newcomers often experience a period of stress, depression, loneliness, and uncertainty—but you can learn to overcome these feelings and embrace your new environment.
- Get advice from others who made the journey before you. Read immigrant success stories for insights and moral support.
- Find out if you will have specific immigration guidelines to meet (for example, if you are arriving from China, India, The Philippines or Nigeria). Your journey will be easier if you are using the latest, most accurate information.
- Make sure you know all of the latest policy updates that could affect your plans for working or studying in North America.
Original Post Source: WES