Canada has long been seen as a beacon of opportunity; it’s a country that promises safety, job security, universal healthcare, and a welcoming multicultural society.
For decades, migrants from countries like the Philippines, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and China dreamed of building a better life there.
But the Canada of late is not the same as the Canada many envisioned when they began the lengthy and expensive process of immigration.
The reality on the ground has changed. Soaring living costs, housing shortages, job market saturation, and underemployment are painting a more sobering picture for new arrivals. Migrating to Canada today is no longer the guaranteed success story it once appeared to be.
A mismatch of expectations
One of the most pressing issues migrants face in Canada is housing affordability. In cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and even suburbs such as Mississauga and Brampton, rent prices have become almost impossible for newcomers to manage.
Although recent trends point to a slight decrease in rental rates from the October 2023 peak, a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Toronto, is still relatively high at over $2,200 per month. For many new migrants who arrive without jobs or must rely on entry-level positions, this can be a financial disaster waiting to happen.
Even those who qualify for permanent residency under the Express Entry system often find themselves underemployed, working survival jobs in warehouses or fast food instead of practising their profession.
Credentials earned abroad—such as nursing degrees, engineering certifications, or teaching licenses—are often not recognised without costly and time-consuming re-qualification. This leads to frustration, loss of self-esteem, and a lingering sense of regret.
Meanwhile, Canada’s public services, including healthcare, are under pressure. Wait times for family doctors or specialists can stretch for months. Immigrants who expected world-class care are finding themselves stuck in bureaucratic backlogs.
School systems are overwhelmed in many provinces, especially in high-immigration areas. These problems impact not only individuals but also their children and families.
Why it’s not worth it anymore
1. Cost of living vs earning potential
Canada’s cost of living has skyrocketed, but wages have not kept pace. Even skilled migrants are often placed in roles that do not match their qualifications. Many find themselves taking two or three jobs just to make ends meet.
After rent, food, transport, and taxes, little is left for savings or remittance—a key reason many migrants leave home in the first place.
2. Employment mismatch
Newcomers are promised a better life, but many face a painful disconnect between what they were told before moving and what they experience upon arrival. Stories of doctors driving Uber and engineers stocking shelves are no longer rare—they’re common.
The system does little to ensure fair integration of newcomers into their field of expertise.
3. Loss of community and mental strain
Many migrants underestimate the emotional toll of immigration. Leaving behind strong family ties, social networks, and familiar customs can create a sense of cultural isolation.
Add to that long work hours and financial pressures, and the result is often depression, anxiety, and relationship breakdowns.
4. Overcrowded urban centres
With a record number of migrants arriving each year, Canadian infrastructure is struggling to keep up. Traffic congestion, rising crime in some areas, lack of childcare facilities, and overstretched social programs are making everyday life more difficult—not just for migrants, but for Canadians as well.
5. Long path to citizenship and uncertain immigration policies
The promise of Canadian citizenship is often what motivates many to apply for permanent residency. But the path is increasingly uncertain, with changing immigration quotas, stricter point systems, and longer wait times.
Some find themselves in limbo for years, unable to bring family members or access certain benefits.
How to decide what’s best for you
Every migration journey is personal, but informed decisions can prevent regret. Before you commit, ask yourself these critical questions:
- Have I done my own research beyond YouTube success stories? Online influencers often highlight only the positives. Dig into forums, talk to current migrants, and read independent news reports to get the full picture.
- Am I financially ready to survive for 6–12 months with no or low income? Migration costs don’t end at the visa stage. Relocation, rental deposits, transportation, and daily living require solid savings.
- Am I prepared to start over from the bottom if my credentials are not recognised? Re-qualification takes time and money. Are you ready to pursue a different career path if necessary?
- Is migration truly the only or best path to success for me? In today’s digital world, many professionals find opportunities abroad while living in their home country through remote work, freelancing, or business.
Avoiding regret: Practical tips
- Try a temporary visa first – Instead of leaping into permanent migration, consider a student visa, working holiday visa, or short-term job placement to get a feel for life in Canada.
- Have a Plan B – Be mentally and financially prepared for the possibility that things may not go according to plan.
- Involve the whole family in the decision – Migration affects spouses and children too. Make sure everyone’s needs and expectations are considered.
- Don’t ignore red flags – If you’re hearing more and more stories of struggle, don’t brush them aside. Where there’s smoke, there’s often fire.
Final thoughts: It’s not unlivable, but it’s not what it used to be
Canada remains a beautiful and diverse country with many positive attributes, but the reality in 2025 is harsh for new migrants. It’s not enough to simply get a visa or score well in the points system.
What awaits many is a difficult uphill climb, both financially and emotionally. That doesn’t mean nobody should go—but it does mean that blind optimism must give way to careful planning.
Migration is not a cure-all. It’s a life-altering decision that requires clear goals, honest expectations, and a strong support system.
Sometimes, staying in your home country and building your life with family and community might be the better path. Sometimes, opportunity doesn’t live in another land—it lives in perspective, strategy, and self-awareness.
If you’re thinking about migrating to Canada, take a step back, assess the full picture, and ask yourself: Is this truly the best move for my future? In 2025, that answer is no longer an automatic yes.