Landing Canada in April and concerns over COVID-19

['JaiShankar-SWM']

Hello,

'You always meet a situation which makes you scratch your head and put you in a position to take a Cautious and Courageous decision making'- With the major outbreak of Corona, I am undergoing a similar phase and pondering a lot on my pre-planned move to Canada this April.

During the time spend in my home country after the soft landing, I earned most sought after credentials in my profession and I have been gearing up to start a new chapter of my life in Canada. In fact- I'm serving a notice period.

Now, in the current scenario with so many advisories to avoid international travel (unfortunately there's no direct flight to Toronto, so a layover in Frankfurt / Paris / Newark is a must); I am in a dilemma whether to stay strong to my decision or postpone my journey as I haven't booked the flights. In this uncertainty, if I stay back again I have to look for temporary employment which might be a good call depending on the current position of the Canadian job market.

Still, I am keen to know- if the recruitments are completely frozen across Canada? if I should consider delaying travel for a time being? are the Airbnb owners allowing accommodation to international travellers?

I still find a lot of job postings on job portals and that encourages me a bit but only a localite can give worthy advice. Also, I would appreciate if those who landed in the current month share their experience.

 

[Ash376]

Hi JaiShankar,

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. you have a few things to consider. (FYI I am not in Canada at the moment)

1. Should you leave and go to Canada/ how is the current job market?
Ans: It depend on what sector you are in. If your job is mostly remote work like in the IT/Tech sector, you may have a chance at getting a job. I am in the Tech sector looking for a job and I can still see new jobs being posted on linkedIn and I got an interview as well. But it also happens to be one of the largest and growing sectors in Canada bear that in mind. If you are in other sectors like hospitality where you have to be physically present, people around the world are getting laid off or their salaries are being reduced etc. So If I were in that situation, I would delay my move if I can get a job in my home country. You have to do some research for your sector to answer this. check if companies are posting jobs, apply to them, research if your sector is being massively affected by COVID 19, if people are getting laid off etc.

2. Are AirBnb owners allowing accomodation?
Ans. Yes and no. It depends on the type of accomodation. With the new travel restrictions imposed, Canadian government has made it mandatory for travelers with no COVID 19 symptoms to go to their accomodation directly (no stops anywhere including the grocery store etc) and must islolate for 14 days. You can find accomodations on Airbnb that you may be interested in and ask the host directly if they will accomodate you. Some say yes and some say no. For me, I am travelling by myself, so I just need a one bedroom. the Airbnb hosts that agreed to host me suggested a 1 bedroom with attached bathroom so I can be in complete isolation. and you can order food and groceries online.

Some other things to consider:
- Double check with you Canadian embassy if travelling under this scenario is allowed as only essential travel is allowed and the definition is a bit vague for that. I have emailed the Canadian embassy where I live to see what they say.
- If your PR status is not under treat ie. you cannot maintain your PR if you don't travel now, reconsider for you own safety and others
- Have a quarantine plan with proof, if you travel, you will be asked for it (based on what I have read)

 

[canuck78]

In general expect that there will be limited hiring for the next couple of months or more except in certain fields. I would try to secure some interviews from abroad. Also depends on how much savings you have. in top of that your flight may end up being cancelled.

 

[pavan23]

Hello,
I got a job during this Co vid and will be starting this month. Hiring is going on for several Food / Agri Businesses. A lot of companies have frozen their hiring process however there are industries that are still hiring.