Coming to Canada as an Expat: A Journey of Perseverance and Pride

By: Elizabeth Erasmus

Coming to Canada as an Expat: A Journey of Perseverance and Pride

Coming to Canada was one of the best decisions of my life. Crossing the Peace Bridge at Niagara Falls, I became a landed immigrant. It wasn’t an easy journey, with setbacks like the post-9/11 delays, but three years later, I proudly became a Canadian citizen. From my early days in Toronto to obtaining a Class 1 truck license, my Canadian adventure has been filled with new beginnings and endless possibilities

Immigrating to a new country is never easy, but for me, coming to Canada was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The journey, filled with challenges and moments of joy, has shaped who I am today. I still vividly remember the day I officially became a landed immigrant—crossing the Peace Bridge at Niagara Falls, where I transitioned from being a visitor to a Canadian permanent resident. That moment of transformation was one of the proudest and most emotional days of my life. 

The Peace Bridge: A Symbol of New Beginnings

The Peace Bridge at Niagara Falls is more than just a crossing between the United States and Canada for me; it symbolizes a new beginning. On that day, I walked from the Canadian side to the U.S. side, where they stamped my immigration papers. I then walked back across the bridge, but this time as a landed immigrant. My status had changed, and so had my life. I was no longer just a visitor; I was on my way to becoming a Canadian, something I had dreamed of for years. 

Becoming a landed immigrant is a life-altering experience. There’s a deep sense of achievement, knowing that all the paperwork, the waiting, and the uncertainty have finally paid off. It’s the first step toward a new identity, one that comes with both excitement and responsibility. For me, it was more than just a legal change—it was the start of a journey that would shape my future in ways I couldn’t have imagined at the time.

The Path to Citizenship

Three years after becoming a landed immigrant, I achieved what I consider one of my greatest accomplishments: I became a Canadian citizen. The pride and joy I felt that day were overwhelming. I had worked so hard to get to that point, and the process had not been easy. But as I stood there, taking the citizenship oath, tears of happiness filled my eyes. I had come such a long way, both literally and figuratively, to reach that milestone.

The journey to citizenship was far from straightforward. After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, in New York City, the entire immigration process changed. Security became tighter, paperwork more complex, and wait times longer. I had to reapply after my initial application got delayed due to the post-9/11 security measures. It was heartbreaking to have to start over after being so close to the finish line, but I understood the need for the changes. Patience became my greatest asset during this time, and although the delays were frustrating, they only made the final achievement that much sweeter.

Looking back, I realize how important perseverance was during those years. Immigration, especially to a country like Canada with its high standards and strict processes, requires more than just paperwork. It requires resilience. The delays, the uncertainty, and the sheer amount of effort it took were all worth it in the end. Canada has provided me with opportunities I wouldn’t have had elsewhere, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Settling in Toronto: My First Steps in Canada

After becoming a landed immigrant, I settled in Toronto, one of Canada’s most vibrant and multicultural cities. I found my first permanent job in nearby Mississauga, which marked the beginning of my professional life in Canada. Toronto is a place where the world comes together. It’s a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, and living there exposed me to the richness of Canada’s diversity. It was fascinating to meet people from so many different backgrounds, all of whom had come to Canada for a better life, just like me.

Working in Mississauga was a rewarding experience, but I soon realized that I had a kindled spirit. I wasn’t content to stay in one place; I wanted to see more of this vast and beautiful country. Canada is known for its immense landscapes, diverse cities, and the unique character of its provinces and territories. I wanted to experience all of it. That’s when I made a life-changing decision: I would pursue a Class 1 truck license.

A New Adventure: Becoming a Truck Driver

Becoming a truck driver in Canada opened up a whole new world for me. Driving across provinces, through mountains and prairies, and into the heart of cities gave me an intimate understanding of the vastness and beauty of this country. The decision to obtain my Class 1 truck license was driven by my desire to explore more than just one corner of Canada. I wanted to experience the country as a whole, from the East Coast to the West Coast, and trucking gave me that opportunity.

Driving through places like British Columbia with its towering mountains, or Alberta’s endless fields, was awe-inspiring. The landscapes I encountered were like nothing I had ever seen before. I got to experience the charm of small towns and the hustle of big cities, all while meeting people from different walks of life. The long hours on the road also gave me plenty of time to reflect on how far I had come—from walking across the Peace Bridge to driving thousands of kilometers across Canada as a citizen of this great country.

Trucking also took me to the United States, allowing me to see more of North America. The cross-border trips made me appreciate the cultural and economic ties between Canada and the U.S., and they expanded my worldview even further. Every journey was an adventure, and each one left me with stories to tell.

Reflecting on My Journey

As I look back on my journey from South Africa to Canada, I am filled with gratitude. The challenges, the delays, and the long process of becoming a Canadian citizen were all part of the path that led me to where I am today. Canada has not only given me a home but also a sense of belonging and purpose. I’ve grown as a person, both professionally and personally, and I’ve had experiences that I never would have imagined.

One of the things I love most about Canada is the sense of possibility. It’s a country where hard work and perseverance are rewarded, where diversity is celebrated, and where newcomers are welcomed with open arms. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth every moment of struggle.

A Bright Future

Now, after many years of living in Canada, I feel at home in this beautiful country. I live in a rural area of Alberta, surrounded by nature, which gives me the peace and tranquility I’ve always craved. My passion for photography has flourished here, and I’ve even been published in Canadian Geographic. I continue to explore this vast land, always finding new corners of Canada to fall in love with.

My story is just one of many. Canada is a land of immigrants, and each person who comes here brings their own unique experiences and perspectives. I am proud to be part of this tapestry, and I look forward to the future with excitement and optimism. Every day, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve gained by making the decision to come to Canada.

Becoming a Canadian citizen was not the end of my journey—it was just the beginning of a new chapter filled with adventure, growth, and endless possibilities. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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