December 25, 2015
When an Iranian engineer moved to Montreal from Tehran in August 2014 after five years of immigration paperwork, he thought his life was about to get easier.
He’d worked for 10 years as an electrical engineer in Iran and graduated from the country’s top technical university. He’d been accepted by Quebec because he is a skilled worker.
“I thought that when I was accepted as a skilled immigrant, I’d be able to work,” he told the Montreal Gazette last week.
He was wrong. Shortly after arriving, he learned that he couldn’t work in Quebec as an engineer until he became a member of the Ordre des ingenieurs du Quebec (Quebec Order of Engineers). But to do that he must first pass two exams, and each exam is only offered a few times per year.
“In Iran, I was supervising other engineers. Here I’d be willing to work as a drafter,” he said. “But right now I’m starting at less than zero. Because even other applicants who don’t have experience, they are younger and come from this country. If I found a job in the North Pole, I’d move there.”
Money is incredibly tight. He lives with his daughter and his wife, both of whom immigrated with him. His wife is also a student, taking insurance classes at Vanier College. They’re living off her student stipend, and piling up debt. “When we arrived here, we weren’t like other immigrants who have family here. We were completely alone,” he said.
Holiday times are the hardest. “When you’re alone, these are the worst moments. Because everybody is off celebrating together, but your family doesn’t have anyone to celebrate with.”
The engineer and his family are among thousands who will receive a check for $125 from the Montreal Gazette Christmas Fund this month. The money helps to make the holiday season more cheerful for individuals and families in need.
He’s going to use part of the money to buy a small gift for his daughter, who turns 3 January 1, and use the rest for essentials.
In the meantime, he isn’t giving up. He’s passed his first OIQ exam, and will take the second one in the spring. He’s taken French classes, and courses in industrial automation. He’s hoping things will get better for his family.
“I’m trying to keep hope that things will turn around. But it’s hard when you live like this.”