Sandeep Kumar, a software developer and designer, began his Canadian journey in 2018 and now calls Surrey, B.C., home. His wife, Anjli, an internationally educated nurse, joined him in 2026, marking a new chapter as they build a life together.
Q. What inspired you to make the move to Canada, and how has your journey been so far?
It started with work. In 2018, I was working as a software developer at my company’s India division when I got the opportunity to move to Canada, and I remain very grateful for it. For Anjli, it was about starting our life together after marriage, and the chance to grow her nursing career in a new country. She’s always loved travelling and exploring new places, so moving across the world felt like the biggest adventure of all. So far, the journey has been more than we could have asked for.
Q. Where did you first stay when you arrived in Canada?
British Columbia was the first place in Canada for both of us. When I arrived, my employer helped me find a rental—a huge help, because finding a home on your own can be challenging in a new country. By the time Anjli arrived in 2026, I had already set up our home, so she landed straight into a place that felt familiar.
Q. What were some of the biggest surprises or challenges you faced when you first arrived?
Almost everything was new—the language, the food, and not having any friends at first. I’m vegetarian, so food was a worry, but we were pleasantly surprised by how many great options there are. Anjli loves cooking, which made the adjustment much easier. What helped most was the community, which was supportive and encouraging from the very beginning. And one surprise we both still talk about: the summer sunsets! Coming from India, seeing daylight at 9:30 at night took some getting used to.
Q. How has your experience as an immigrant shaped your view of Canada as a country?
Canada is beautiful, and so are its people. Everyone we’ve met has been kind and respectful. There are so many opportunities here, and you really feel that the country supports you when you’re willing to put in the effort.
Q. How have you managed to stay connected to your roots while embracing Canadian culture?
Food is a big part of it—Anjli’s home cooking keeps the flavors of India on our table every day. We stay close to family through video calls and spend a few months in India whenever we can. At the same time, we’ve embraced life here fully, and we feel lucky to be part of both worlds.
Q. What’s one Canadian custom or tradition you’ve come to love?
The everyday kindness. A smile from a stranger, a simple thank-you, someone holding the door- these small courtesies are part of daily life here. People treat each other as equals, and every kind of work is valued. We’ve also come to love the Canadian love of the outdoors: long summer evenings, walks and exploring nature whenever we get the chance.
Q. If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently about your immigration journey?
Not really. The journey has been more than we could have asked for. If anything, I would have started travelling even more from the very beginning. We’ve explored Vancouver Island, the Rockies and the Okanagan, and every trip reminds us how much Canada has to offer.
Proudest Moment in Canada
For me, it was getting the opportunity to move here from my company’s India division: something I’m still very grateful for. For Anjli, it has been doing new things on her own - learning to get around and finding her way in a completely new country. Starting her nursing studies here is another moment she’s very proud of.
Advice for Immigrants
Enjoy the journey. Settling into a new country takes time, so take it one step at a time and celebrate the small wins along the way. Explore as much as you can and don’t hesitate to reach out to the community and the many resources available to newcomers.
