Landing in Canada
I immigrated to Canada from Egypt in 2022 under the Express Entry program. My first choice was Toronto—it's where most job postings were. But after seeing that a basement apartment cost $2,200, I pivoted to Montreal.
Why Montreal Made Sense
Montreal rents are rising, but they are still the best value in big-city Canada. I found a 3 1/2 (that's Quebec for 1-bedroom) in Côte-des-Neiges for $1,450. Not fancy, but clean, safe, and near the metro.
The French Question
I knew basic French from school, but I was nervous. The reality? Montreal is incredibly bilingual. My workplace operates in English. Most landlords accepted English. I've been taking French classes (subsidized through the Quebec government) and I'm improving. It's respectful to try, and people appreciate it.
Building Credit and History
I got a secured credit card immediately. I paid every bill on time. After 18 months, I qualified for a regular credit card with a decent limit. My credit score is now "good" by Canadian standards.
For other newcomers: start building credit immediately. It matters for everything from phone plans to eventually qualifying for a mortgage. Cash is king in Egypt, but Credit is king here.
Future Plans
My goal is to buy a condo in Montreal within 5 years. Prices are rising here too, but they're still more reasonable than Toronto or Vancouver. I'm saving aggressively. I believe I can make it happen.