‘Canada isn't always the dream you think it is': Indian woman's viral video sparks debate on life abroad

Indian Express

28-06-2025

Life abroad, especially in countries like Canada or the United States, is often romanticised as a land of better salaries, stable jobs, and a higher standard of living. But a recent Instagram video is shattering that illusion for many.
Posted by @kanutalescanada, an Indian woman currently based in Canada, the now-viral reel takes a sobering look at the ground reality of looking for a job abroad. In the opening moments, she speaks directly to the camera in Hindi: 'Guys, hamare jo Indian friends ya relatives hain jinko lagta hai ki Canada mein bahut jobs aur paisa hai, unko ye video dikha dena' (Show this video to Indian friends and relatives who think there are a lot of jobs and money in Canada.)
She then turns her camera to a surprising scene–an enormous line of people waiting outside what she describes as a basic employment event. The job in question is an entry-level internship. And that, just for five or six avaialble positions.
'This is the reality of Canada,' she says in the video. 'If you're prepared for this, then come to Canada—otherwise India is better.' The caption of the post saying, 'Life abroad isn't always a dream. Sometimes it's just… a long queue'—struck a chord with viewers. The post has crossed over a million views, sparking a flood of comments from both immigrants who relate with the situation and aspirants who are now second-guessing their plans.
A post shared by Kanupria | Canada Explorer (@kanutalescanada)
One Instagram user had different perspective to offer: 'Vancouver has jobs, the issue is skill mismatch, not job shortage. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Lululemon, BC Hydro, Telus, FortisBC, and Vancouver Coastal Health are always hiring. It's about having the right skills, not blaming the city/country.'
Another user wrote, 'Also, first honest video I saw of letting people know the truth. There are other influencers trying to give people the wrong information and impression to move to Canada.'
A third individual commented, 'I don't think people will look at the long line.. they will look at the luxurious ship and beautiful buildings behind.'
A fourth person said, 'Let me tell you the reality. Yesterday, my friends and I went to the Aritzia warehouse sale hiring event. They were hiring around 800 to 1000 people for short-term jobs lasting around 3 to 7 days. The waiting line was huge. Of course, there were many Indians, but also a lot of high school students from grades 11 and 12 who were participating since they're currently on summer vacation — as you can see in the video. My friends and I went there, but I already have a job. For me, it was just a try — if I got it, great; if not, I wanted to focus more on my studies anyway. Because of the long queue and waiting time, I decided to go home. Both of my friends ended up getting the job. So, don't judge anything just based on what you see in reels. Stay positive and give it a try if you're looking for a job.'