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Immigrant's PR Journey: Relief, Not Just Joy
27 Sep
Summary
- Author achieved permanent residency after over two years.
- Immigration status caused significant anxiety and panic attacks.
- Many friends left Canada due to unpredictable immigration system.
Areena Shrestha details her arduous path to permanent residency in Canada, beginning as an 18-year-old international student from Nepal. While pursuing her education and building a career in the non-profit sector, she experienced significant uncertainty regarding her immigration status, which led to panic attacks and emotional distress. This precarious situation caused many of her friends to depart Canada, unable to endure the unpredictable system.
Her own future remained in doubt until she applied for permanent residency in December 2023. After nearly three years, her application was approved on March 22, 2026, through a health-care and social services occupations draw. While relief washed over her, it was complicated by the absence of friends who had become her support system, forcing her to essentially rebuild her life and sense of 'home' in Canada.
