For years, the idea of living in Canada danced around in the back of my mind. Research became my bedtime story - I devoured articles on life in Canada, job opportunities, and the path to permanent residency. But that's all it was - a story, a dream never acted upon.

Then, in 2019, life nudged me forward. I decided to pursue Express Entry, the federal program for skilled workers. Transcripts were requested, the IELTS test booked - the wheels were finally in motion! My initial test scores were good, but not good enough. The dream remained just out of reach, but I held onto hope, waiting for that coveted invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Then came the plot twist of 2020 - the global pandemic. Borders slammed shut, and Express Entry invitations for skilled workers dried up. As if that wasn't enough, I turned 30, and with each birthday, my CRS score (the point system used by Express Entry) dipped a little lower due to my advancing age.

Two years crawled by. In 2022, a glimmer of hope! IRCC announced they'd resume international invitations. Elated, I retook the IELTS, this time scoring even higher. But Canada, it seemed, was in high demand. The competition was fierce, the CRS cut-off score skyrocketing over 500. My score, though improved, wasn't enough.

Life Takes a Turn

Life took another beautiful turn in 2019. I met G1, and together we started family of furry companions with Kymira, Draco, Mishka, Choco.

Finding My Footing in Canada

Fast forward to landing in Canada. While staying with my uncle initially seemed like a good solution, it became clear it wasn't going to work for my mental well-being. Thankfully, a family friend offered me a place to rent. It wasn't ideal - the rent kept increasing in a small space - but I was incredibly grateful for a roof over my head.

The Persistence of the Dream

The dream of permanent residency, however, remained elusive. The invitation process had shifted to category-based draws, and the general cut-off scores were still stubbornly high. Determined to improve my chances, I embarked on a new challenge - learning French.

Frustration gnawed at me. Time, it seemed, was not my friend. With every birthday, my CRS score dipped lower. An invitation seemed further away than ever. The idea of another expensive study program just to gain a three-year work permit felt out of reach. The move had already stretched my finances thin, especially with the unplanned rent increases, and finding a part-time job proved nearly impossible despite applying everywhere I could.

A New Chapter Begins

Then, in September 2023, while still grinding through my program, a wave of relief washed over me - I received an Invitation to Apply (ITA)! October brought a visit home. Mishka, my dog, had become a mama, and I couldn't miss meeting my furry grandbabies. The trip also allowed me to collect some documents needed for the application process.

Finally, on Diwali day in November 2023, I submitted my application. The following months flew by in a flurry of activity - receiving the Biometric Information Letter (BIL) and Medical Request in January, Portal 1 and Portal 2 emails in February, and finally, in March 2024, the golden ticket - my Confirmation of Permanent Residence (e-COPR)!

This journey has been a test of patience and resilience. There were moments of doubt and frustration, but the dream never died. This is just the beginning of a new chapter in Canada, and while the road wasn't always smooth, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Stay tuned for the next adventure!