Elira
I brought my degree, my language, and my stubbornness. Canada gave me the room to use all three.
When I landed at Pearson in the winter of 2019, I had one suitcase, a job offer that fell through two weeks later, and a lot of doubt. I had studied computer science in Tirana and worked for three years, but here I had to prove myself from the beginning.
The hardest part was not the cold — it was the quiet. Back home, family and neighbours were always around. In my first apartment in North York, the silence felt heavy. So I started going to Albanian community events, and slowly the city started to feel less like a stranger.
Two years later I passed my Express Entry stage, got a role at a fintech company, and now I mentor other newcomers who studied tech back home. The credential recognition process is confusing, but it is doable. My advice: start your CELPIP prep early and keep every document.
Stories reflect the personal experiences of community members and are shared with their consent. They are not immigration advice. For your own case, consult official Government of Canada resources or a licensed representative.