I recently reached a huge milestone in my journey, and I’m too excited not to share.
Last week, with immense pride and an enormous amount of gratitude, I officially became a Canadian citizen! 🍁
The journey to this point has been long (11 Years, 8 months, and 27 days to be exact) and has been a rollercoaster ride of excitement, challenges, inspiration and emotion.
On November 8, 2023, after what felt like an eternity of anticipation, I attended my Oath of Citizenship ceremony. The experience was both humbling and exhilarating.
The ceremony started with a meeting with an IRCC officer to verify my identity and cut up my PR card on camera (this made me a little nervous) before joining the Zoom room with all the other soon-to-be new Citizens…
My computer screen was filled with over 100 faces, all different ages and races. As we recited the Oath in both English and French, surrounded by Canadian flags and beaming faces, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and belonging.
The judge’s words of encouragement and a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau underscored the significance of this occasion. The ceremony closed with a video that took us on a tour of Canada.
As the words “WELCOME HOME” flashed up on the screen, a huge wave of emotion washed over me; a combination of excitement, pride and – truthfully- relief as I realized that this wasn’t “just any other Zoom call”.
It was a testament to the journey I had undertaken, the challenges I had overcome, and the dreams I had realized. That moment represented the past almost 12 years of my life, and everything I’ve achieved to get here.
My Canadian adventure began over a decade ago as – what I thought would be – a 2 year working holiday. I still remember landing at Toronto’s Pearson airport, work permit in hand, on February 10, 2012 ready to embark on – what I thought would be – a two year experiment of meeting new people and exploring new places. Go back and read my very first after arriving in Canada here.
I didn’t know it then, but Canada would quickly become more than a temporary stop on my journey, it would become my second home.
This isn’t just about gaining a new passport – though I’ll admit, I eagerly presented my Citizenship certificate at the passport office the next day! It signifies a deeper connection, a sense of identity rooted in shared values and shared dreams.
While reaching this milestone marks the end of one chapter and I’m now the very proud owner of a shiny new blue Canadian passport (aka freedom from US visa waivers). I recognize that my journey is far from over. With each experience and every challenge, I have the opportunity for growth and self-discovery, as the narrative of my Canadian story continues to evolve.
To everyone who has been a part of my journey, thank you for your support. Thank you for the warm welcome, the adventures, and amazing friendships we’ve built along the way. I can’t wait to see what the next 11 years brings!
My Canadian immigration journey has finally finished and I feel so incredibly lucky.
I can now *officially* call 2 countries my home; 2 places that have my heart and it’s an incredible feeling! (Plus I do get 007 vibes travelling with two passports!) 🇨🇦
Welcome Home: Reflections on Becoming a Canadian Citizen
