Our Immigration Stories - As Told By Canadian Immigrants

Kristina McPherson
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Hear the first-hand experiences of how we got here, immigration processes & our experiences living here as "Canadians". Our brand is all about sharing information through our experience as Canadian Immigrants, why not get it from the horses' mouths!? Host - Kristina has had 7+ years dealing firsthand with several immigration processes starting with her own student visa all the way to citizenship and has encouraged people along the way. She has found much enjoyment in hearing and sharing with others and wants to be the comforting and hopeful voice.

  1. 1d ago

    She Moved to 5 Countries Before Canada: Here’s How She Found Stability

    How do immigrant families build stability in Canada when life keeps changing?🔴 Watch more Mom-Versations - As Told By Canadian Immigrants episodes - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3=====Connect with KristinaBook a Financial Clarity Call:https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbrokerConnect with Dr Suzanne Davis:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannerdavisCheck out Restaurant Week:https://byblacks.com/restaurantweekCHAPTERS0:00 - Life in Canada After Immigration1:06 - Immigrant Motherhood in Canada2:26 - Moving Countries With Children4:37 - Building Stability as Immigrants in Canada5:44 - Identity After Moving to Canada6:44 - Family Routines for Newcomers7:26 - Rebuilding Your Village in Canada8:18 - School Planning Before Moving9:00 - Preparing Children for Canada10:09 - Making Community After Immigration12:25 - Starting Over in Canada14:20 - Hardest Part of Relocating15:51 - Caregiving as an Immigrant Mom17:13 - What Home Means After Migration18:52 - Advice for Immigrant Families20:38 - Finding Your Village in Canada=====Ways to work with us:Watch more Canadian immigrant stories: ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4wuN9oX4c_8h2UiTxU3Ztt8Partner with As Told By Canadian Immigrants: ➡︎ https://astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/contact#collab📩 Join our free email list to stay connected ➡︎ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about==== Community Feature Support Black-owned restaurants during ByBlacks Restaurant Week: https://byblacks.com/restaurantweek#ImmigrantFamilies #LifeInCanada #CanadianImmigrants #MomVersationsMoving to Canada with family changes more than your address. For many immigrant families, it changes how you parent, how you build community, how your children experience home, and how you create stability when everything around you keeps changing.In this episode of Mom-Versations: As Told By Canadian Immigrants, Kristina McPherson sits down with Dr. Suzanne Davis to talk about raising children across countries, rebuilding community, staying rooted in identity, and creating family stability through change. After moving between Jamaica, Germany, New York, Canada, and South Africa, Dr. Davis shares what she has learned about motherhood, faith, routines, caregiving, diplomacy, and building a village wherever life takes you.This conversation is for aspiring immigrants researching life in Canada, newcomers already navigating settlement, immigrant mothers, first-generation Canadians, and families trying to understand what it really takes to start over. Whether you are thinking about moving to Canada, recently arrived on a study permit or work permit, working toward PR, or rebuilding your family life after immigration, this episode offers a deeper look at the emotional and practical side of building stability in Canada.Our mission here at As Told By Canadian Immigrants is to share honest conversations about immigration, identity, family, rebuilding, and what it really means to start over in Canada.Disclaimer: This content is for storytelling, education, and community conversation only. It is not legal, immigration, financial, medical, or mental health advice. Please consult the appropriate qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.#canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada #Momversations #ImmigrantMoms #Motherhood #ImmigrantStory #LifeInCanada #RaisingKids #ParentingPodcast #JamaicanDiaspora #ImmigrantLife #CanadianImmigrants #MotherhoodJourney #DiasporaStories #FamilyAbroad #WomenWhoInspire #ImmigrantFamilies

    23 min

  2. May 29

    The High-Paying Canadian Jobs Immigrants Are Ignoring!

    🔴 Check your eligibility and study skilled trades programs in Canada with Passage - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/tradesStop Guessing Which Immigration Path Is Right for You ➡︎ http://astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/courseThis video is sponsored by Passage Inc. Some links included may be affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive compensation if you choose to use them, at no additional cost to you.=Talk to a Canadian Immigration Consultant: ➡︎ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultantJoin our free email list to stay connected: ➡︎ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about=CHAPTERS0:00 - Skilled Trades in Canada2:21 - Moving to Canada from Pakistan6:02 - Study Trades in Canada7:17 - How Newcomers Find Jobs10:01 - Why Immigrants Avoid Trades12:53 - Skilled Trades Myths16:16 - Trades Salary in Canada18:38 - PR Pathways for Trades23:29 - Jobs Beyond Construction25:18 - Career Growth in Trades32:48 - Hidden Jobs for Newcomers36:00 - Women in Skilled Trades38:05 - Immigration Pathways Explained39:49 - Is Canada Still Worth It?#SkilledTradesCanada #CanadaImmigration #NewcomersCanada #ImmigrantsInCanada #lifeincanada In this episode of As Told By Canadian Immigrants, Kristina McPherson sits down with Mustafa Ansari to talk about skilled trades in Canada, why many immigrants and newcomers overlook trades careers, and how these pathways may create real opportunities for people trying to build a stable life in Canada.Mustafa shares his own journey from Pakistan to Canada, his original dream of working in corporate Toronto, and how he eventually discovered the trades industry through marketing, workforce development, and newcomer-focused programs. The conversation explores trades salaries, common misconceptions, women in skilled trades, safety, career growth, adjacent roles, and why newcomers should think beyond traditional job titles when building a future in Canada.In this video, you’ll learn:- Why skilled trades in Canada are worth exploring- Common misconceptions immigrants have about trades jobs- How trades careers can connect to PR and long-term stability- Why trades are not only hands-on roles- How networking can open unexpected career doors- Why newcomers should stay open to opportunities they did not originally plan for=As Told By Canadian Immigrants, hosted by Kristina McPherson, shares honest conversations about building life in Canada through the lens of immigrants and newcomers. From immigration and identity to money, parenting, relationships, career growth, and starting over, we explore the real experiences shaping life beyond the move itself.Our mission is to help immigrants eliminate confusion, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about studying, working, and building a life in Canada — turning confusion into clarity, isolation into belonging, and survival into success.Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal financial, legal, immigration, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Always speak with a licensed professional who can assess your individual situation before making decisions. #canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada

    59 min

  3. May 22

    Moving to Canada With Family: The Part No One Warns You About

    Caring for aging parents while raising children can leave you overwhelmed, guilty, and stretched as an immigrant thin in the sandwich generation. Canada Book a Financial Clarity Call ➡ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker If you’re raising children while also worrying about aging parents, family responsibilities, money, grief, and the pressure to keep everyone okay, this conversation will feel familiar. In this episode, Kristina speaks with Chantel Escoffrey of The Sandwich Years and her daughter Kay about caregiver guilt, family caregiving, rebuilding your village, and what it means to be part of the sandwich generation. Through the lens of immigration, motherhood, and life in Canada, this conversation gives language to the hidden weight so many women carry when everyone seems to need them at the same time. Living in Canada Watch This Next: More Immigration & Motherhood Stories - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2NgyeSqfo4xD_JuBa6eafxIdM7mxKlQ3&si=ut3tqQRtS2xwGT2P Connect with Chantel: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandwichyears • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandwichyears Connect with Kay: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayje22 Connect with Kristina: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astoldbycanadianimmigrants/ • Blog: https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/blog Subscribe to As Told By Canadian Immigrants: https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants 🚨 Talk to an Immigration Consultant https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant 📩 Resource hub for immigrant families in Canada. Join our free email list. https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about ⏰ Chapters ⏰ 0:00 - The Guilt Caregivers Carry0:59 - Meet Chantel and Kay1:23 - Growing Up Immigrant5:22 - Rebuilding the Village9:21 - What Felt Normal12:26 - Naming the Sandwich Years13:11 - Sandwich Generation Explained14:58 - Financial Stability in Canada16:38 - Caring Across Borders19:03 - When Village Feels Heavy21:22 - Building Your Own Village24:29 - Grandparents and Memories26:31 - Caregiver Guilt28:14 - The Children Are Watching29:01 - Kay’s Village Experience30:32 - Seeing Mom’s Heaviness32:37 - Moms Carry Quiet Pain49:04 - Rebuilding Is Part of It50:01 - Share Your Experience51:12 - What’s Coming Next #SandwichGeneration #AgingParents #CaregiverGuilt #FamilyCaregiving #CaregiverBurnoutSupport Us -------- https://www.paypal.me/astoldbyCanadianAs Told By Canadian Immigrants, hosted by Kristina McPherson, shares honest conversations about building life in Canada through the lens of immigrants and newcomers. From immigration and identity to money, parenting, relationships, career growth, and starting over, we explore the real experiences shaping life beyond the move itself. Through real stories and practical discussions, we help people feel seen, informed, and less alone as they navigate life in Canada. DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal financial, legal, immigration, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Always speak with a licensed professional who can assess your individual situation before making decisions. This video is not sponsored. Some links included may be affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive compensation if you choose to use them, at no additional cost to you. All opinions and experiences shared are intended to support informed decision-making, not replace professional advice. Learn More - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/about#disclaimer#canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada

    52 min
  4. Money for Your Child’s Education in Canada? What Immigrant Parents Should Know

    May 15

    Money for Your Child’s Education in Canada? What Immigrant Parents Should Know

    Take Control of Your Financial Future in Canada: Book a Financial Clarity Call with Kristina or Adrian - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker What should immigrant parents in Canada know about planning for their children’s future? In this episode of Mom-Versations - As Told By Canadian Immigrants, Kristina sits down with licensed financial professional Adrian Morrison for a practical conversation about financial planning for immigrant families in Canada. They discuss what many newcomer and immigrant parents may not know about education savings, government support, protection planning, life insurance, critical illness coverage, and planning ahead for children’s futures. From RESPs and RDSPs to the importance of protecting your income as a parent, this conversation breaks down important financial topics in simple language for families who are building a life in Canada. This episode is especially for immigrant moms, dads, caregivers, and newcomer families who want to make informed decisions but may not know where to start. Take Control of Your Financial Future in Canada. Book a complimentary Financial Clarity Call with Kristina or Adrian: https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker In this episode, we talk about: Financial planning for immigrant parents in CanadaWhat families should know about RESPsGovernment support for children’s educationRDSPs and disability-related financial planningWhy protection matters before investingLife insurance for parents and familiesCritical illness protectionStarting small with financial planningQuestions immigrant families should ask sooner rather than later⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 0:00 - Survival to Stability1:31 - Immigrant Parent Money Questions2:18 - Important Financial Disclaimer3:13 - RESP Explained Simply4:52 - Government Education Grants6:40 - Why Start Early8:11 - What If They Don’t Go11:27 - Family RESP Strategy13:20 - Savings vs Investing15:42 - Start With $2518:43 - RDSP Basics Explained21:28 - $90K Disability Support23:19 - Product vs Plan24:40 - Protecting Your Future26:15 - Offense and Defense30:43 - Critical Illness Protection32:32 - Child Critical Illness Story35:22 - Insuring Your Child39:12 - Financial Information Gap41:20 - Book Your Clarity Call45:30 - The Risk of Waiting47:06 - Final Money Talk Recap This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal financial, legal, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Please speak with a licensed financial professional before making financial decisions. Watch more Immigration & Motherhood stories: https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/mom Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants/featured Follow the Riot Radio Media Hub: https://www.instagram.com/dcsamediahub/ #ImmigrantParentsCanada #FinancialPlanningCanada #CanadianImmigrants #RESPCanada #NewcomerFamilies #canadianimmigrantstories

    50 min
  5. Immigration DID NOT end when I became a Canadian Citizen

    May 8

    Immigration DID NOT end when I became a Canadian Citizen

    Moving to Canada - Canadian Immigration doesn’t end when you become a Canadian citizen — it only changes.Every episode uncovers the side of immigration nobody talks about. Follow the series here ➡ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/mom 📌Links for You!• Take Control of Your Financial Future in Canada. Book a Financial Clarity Call with Kristinahttps://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/financialbroker• Momtrepreneur University™https://www.skool.com/momtrepreneuruniversity/about?ref=a78b08e05bbc4b089aed5630022172ff• Join one of Canada’s highest high-interest savings account platforms with no monthly fees, cashback rewards - Neo Financial • Watch This Next: More Immigration & Motherhood Stories - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/mom• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AsToldByCanadianImmigrants/featured• Follow the Riot Radio Media Hub: https://www.instagram.com/dcsamediahub/⏰ Timecodes ⏰0:00 - Border Crisis While Pregnant1:19 - Immigration Never Really Ends2:19 - Why I Needed My Village3:27 - My Mom Was Denied Entry4:42 - Fighting Canada’s Decision5:48 - Why I Left Canada7:21 - Canadian Citizenship Didn’t Bring Stability8:34 - What Immigration Felt Like For My Mom14:21 - Pandemic Border Chaos Explained19:18 - Motherhood + Immigration Collide24:20 - The Hidden Cost Of Immigration26:02 - Status Does NOT Equal Stability27:49 - Your Village Doesn’t Transfer29:38 - Parenthood Changes Everything32:14 - You Have To Rebuild Community35:38 - Children Experience Immigration - My Daughter’s PerspectiveDISCLAIMER: This content is based on personal experiences and conversations and should not be considered legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies and procedures may change over time. Always consult official government resources or a licensed immigration professional regarding your specific situation. This episode is not sponsored. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.📌 Topics Covered:living in canada, canada immigration, immigrant mother experience, moving to canada reality, canada pr journey, life after immigration, immigrant women in canada, canada life challenges, canadian immigration stories, our immigration stories, as told by canadian immigrants#canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada #CanadianImmigration #ImmigrantStories #ImmigrantMothers #LifeInCanada #CanadianCitizenship

    46 min

  6. Mar 24

    Canada’s Immigration Reset: Only 16% Will Stay

    Canada immigration is tightening — here’s how to stay competitive and secure PR before seats run out.Find PR-friendly jobs here ➡ https://prjobs.ca/ Canada immigration is tightening, and many temporary residents may not get PR. In this episode, we break down how to stay competitive, find PR-friendly jobs, extend your work permit, and align with Canada’s immigration priorities. If you're an international student, PGWP holder, or planning TR to PR, this conversation explains what to do now. 📌 Links You Need after this Video: • Find PR-friendly jobs aligned with immigration priorities: https://prjobs.ca/ • Check your student visa risk before applying — https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/studentvisaapplication • TR to PR 2026: Only 33,000 spots — join waitlist • Should you keep fighting for Canada PR or leave strategically? This honest checklist helps you decide -- https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/checklist Disclaimer: This video is sponsored by ImmigrateAI Global Inc. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.canadian immigrantsrural canada storiesimmigration experiences canada

    49 min

  7. Mar 12

    Should You Leave Canada If You Can’t Get PR? (Brutally Honest Checklist)

    Should you keep fighting for Canada PR or leave strategically? This honest checklist helps you decide. Download the FREE Immigration Decision Checklist - https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/checklist On As Told By Canadian Immigrants, we talk honestly about the real situations immigrants face. In this video, we go through a brutally honest checklist to help you think about your Canada PR chances, immigration strategy, and whether staying in Canada is still the right move for you.This video isn't meant to scare anyone. It's meant to help you ask a real question:Are you fighting strategically… or emotionally?Did you Answer "no", "I don't know" or "maybe" to any of the questions? Yes? Then you need clarity. Get clarity on your Canadian immigration strategy ➡ https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/course ----#canadianimmigration #howtomovetocanada #usatocanada #jamaicatocanada #studyincanada #internationalstudent #expressentry #canadapr #canadavisa #kristinamcpherson #immigrationpathway #permanentresidency #canadiandream #movetocanada #jobsincanada #workincanada #cometocanada #beforeyouarriveincanada immigration experiences canadaimmigrant stories canadaCanadian migration stories

    29 min

  8. Mar 5

    Why Survival Jobs Are Keeping Immigrants Stuck (And How to Move Strategically)

    Many immigrants in Canada fall into the Survival Job Trap—working jobs that pay the bills but don’t move them closer to permanent residency. But the real problem isn’t immigration. It’s strategy. In this episode, career coach Mher Mardoyan explains the biggest mistake newcomers make in their job search—and how to escape it. You’ll learn: The survival job trap and why many immigrants get stuck thereWhy applying to jobs should often be your last strategyHow networking actually works in CanadaHow LinkedIn can help newcomers build real professional relationshipsThe CAN networking framework: Connection, Action, NurtureWhy checking the NOC code before accepting a job matters for immigrationHow to transition from survival jobs to career-aligned opportunities One of the most powerful reminders from this episode: Your survival job is a bridge — not the plan. The key is staying intentional about your strategy while building relationships that can open the right doors. Resources mentioned in this episode: Passage – Student funding aligned with in-demand careers https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/passage⁠Immigration Strategy Course ⁠https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/course⁠Group Mentorship ⁠https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/contact⁠Immigration Consultation ⁠https://www.astoldbycanadianimmigrants.com/consultant⁠ Connect with guest Mher Mardoyan: YouTube ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mhermardoyancareercoach⁠ LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mher-mardoyan-careercoach/⁠ Question for listeners: Are you currently in survival mode, comfort mode, or strategy mode in your career journey in Canada?

    58 min
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Hear the first-hand experiences of how we got here, immigration processes & our experiences living here as "Canadians". Our brand is all about sharing information through our experience as Canadian Immigrants, why not get it from the horses' mouths!? Host - Kristina has had 7+ years dealing firsthand with several immigration processes starting with her own student visa all the way to citizenship and has encouraged people along the way. She has found much enjoyment in hearing and sharing with others and wants to be the comforting and hopeful voice.

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