Immigration is never a straightforward journey for Shabnam and her husband Hooman, the path from Iran to Canada was filled with both trials and triumphs. Their story is one that is full of perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of a better future — a journey that took over a decade and required countless sacrifices.

The Beginning: Leaving Iran

Hooman and Shabnam have decided to immigrate to Canada 12 years ago. They both spent their entire lives in Iran before they made the life-altering decision to move to Canada. The political and financial instability in their home country was a major consideration of coming up with the decision to leave Iran. They felt that Canada offered not only a sense of stability but also a chance to be closer to some of their family.

They initially set their sights on Quebec, drawn by its robust skilled worker immigration program. They immersed themselves into learning French and started putting their application together and submitted it through the Quebec process. A month after they submitted their application, the unfolding war in Syria started. They had to wait for 2 years, as the Canadian Embassy in Damascus, which handled Iranian cases, had to relocate its operations to Turkey. Despite excelling in their French language evaluation test, their application was rejected when they had their interview in Turkey.

Undeterred, they shifted their focus to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, only to encounter age-related point deductions because Hooman was already over 40 years old at that time. When the plan to apply in through the federal program faltered, they discovered the Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program (MPNP). MPNPs system is based on the training, education and work experience, Shabnam’s degree in English literature did not give her good points. She decided to complete a Culinary Arts degree in 2 years and worked as a cook for a year to meet the program’s eligibility requirements. They took THE International English language Testing System (IELTS) and Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) and got excellent results. In 2018, with the support of her brother-in-law who lives in Winnipeg, they finally landed their application for MPNP. In March 2019, they were accepted, but the pandemic delayed their arrival until April 2022.

Arriving in Canada: Preparation and Adaptation

When they finally landed in Winnipeg, Hooman and Shabnam were well-prepared. Years of research had familiarized them with the city, its neighborhoods, and even the job market. Language barriers were minimal—Shabnam studied English since she was a child while Hooman worked hard to be able to speak English fluently.

Volunteer work became their gateway to be familiar with the way of living and to different communities, within days of arriving, they began contributing at MCC Kildonan Thrift Store, where Hooman worked in the electrical department and his Shabnam assisted in clothing department. This not only introduced them to Canadian work culture but also helped them integrate into the community.

Just like any other new immigrants, they also tried to make use the government programs that are available for new comers like them. One of each is Manitoba Start, career development services to newcomers to the province, through their resume writing courses they were able to come up with a resume according to Canadian employers’ standard which eventually landed Hooman to get a job that he wanted.

Building Careers in Canada

Both Hooman and Shabnam were fortunate to get their first job quickly. Shabnam landed her first role serendipitously at an event where she met a CEO who offered her a position as an English-Persian interpreter. Hooman, an electrical engineer by profession, started his career in Canada through a job he found online.

For Hooman, advancing in his field required additional certifications. He earned Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) and engineer-in-training (EIT) designations and is now considering on working toward his Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) certification. This relentless pursuit of professional growth is a testament to their determination to succeed in their new environment.

Cultural Integration and Community Engagement

Cultural adaptation came naturally to this couple. They spent years watching Canadian movies and YouTube videos about Canada to prepare themselves. Volunteer work further deepened their understanding of Canadian living, they continued giving back even after securing permanent jobs. Up to now they continue to volunteer at the thrift store every Saturdays. permanent jobs.

Beyond volunteering, they also extended their support to other newcomers. By opening their home to immigrants during their first month upon arriving to Canada and they even use social media as a channel to help aspiring immigrants and new immigrants by interacting with them and giving them tips and guidance about immigrating and settling in Canada, they became valuable resource for others who are navigating similar challenges.

Lessons and Achievements

Reflecting on their journey, Hooman and Shabnam attribute their success to hard work, patience, and determination. They’ve built a fulfilling life, marked by accomplishments such as purchasing their dream home, building strong friendships, and thriving in careers they enjoy.

The biggest lesson they’ve learned as immigrants is that resilience pays off. “If you work hard, you can achieve your goals,” they emphasize. Their advice to new immigrants is to seek information from multiple sources, practice English diligently, and never give up on their dreams.

Looking Ahead

For Hooman and Shabnam, Canada has become more than just a new country—it’s a land of peace, opportunity, and community. “We love the financial stability and the friendly people here,” they say. “Canada has taught us to be patient and to believe in ourselves.”

Their message to fellow immigrants is simple yet profound: “Fight for your dreams. The journey may not be easy, but the rewards are worth it.”