Sonia Krajewska is the ANC’s Community Settlement and Integration Officer (Permanent Residents). In her position, she helps permanent residents access government and agency services and resources to aid them in settling in Canada.
As a permanent resident, herself, Sonia also has great first-hand advice for the less formal side of building a new life.
Sonia’s weekly online blog, “Sonia on Sunday,” distills some of that advice into a digital forum. We’ve collected all the blog posts here; if you find one helpful, chances are good you will appreciate the others.
If you have a question for Sonia, please e-mail her at skrajewska@ancnl.ca or phone 709-552-8451.
September 7, 2020 Labour Day weekend
In a new country, even the holidays are often different. Here is what Labour Day is and some suggestions if you are in the St John’s area.
August 30, 2020 Finding your dream job in NL
Services offered by the ANC through its AXIS Employment Services plus good general advice on resumes, job banks, and getting credentials recognized.
August 23, 2020 Visit Gros Morne
Part of living in a new country is discovering its beauty. Gros Morne National Park, on the island of Newfoundland’s west coast, is a place of amazing views, great hikes, and lively small towns, as Sonia discovered on a recent vacation.
August 16, 2020 Meet Mithun Mathew
Born in India, living in St. John’s since June 2019, Mithun Mathew is an aircraft technician and entrepreneur. He talks about immigration, life in the city, and SpiceX, the little Malta Street take-out that’s making a big impression with St. John’s foodies.
August 2, 2020 The One-Year Window
When you arrive in Canada as a resettled refugee, there is a one-year window of time that may help you reunite with family members who were unable to travel with you.
July 26, 2020 Leisure activities
Suggestions for (mostly) outdoor summer activities in the St. John’s Area to help you discover the beauty of the province.
July 19, 2020 Immigration Loans Program
Information on the federal loans available for people arriving as refugees: how to pay them back, who to talk to if you have financial challenges, and more.
July 12, 2020 Replacing your PR Card
Your Permanent Residence Card is an important legal document. Here’s what to do if you lose it or never received it.
July 5, 2020 Becoming a Canadian citizen
The process of acquiring Canadian citizenship can take time, but it is fairly easy to understand.
June 28, 2020 The Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program
BVOR is a common way for groups and organizations to help some of the world’s most vulnerable refugees settle in Canada.
June 21, 2020 World Refugee Day
How the ANC observed World Refugee Day this year.
June 14, 2020 Making New Friends in Newfoundland and Labrador
Tips on meeting new people in your new home.
May 24, 2020 Childcare and education system in NL
An overview of schools, preschools, and child-care options.
May 17, 2020 Family Class Sponsorship
One way of bringing your spouse and dependent children to Canada is through this program.
May 10, 2020 Becoming a Driver in NL
Information on getting a driver’s license and tips on buying a car.
May 3, 2020 Adopt a pet; improve your well-being and happiness
A pet can make a huge difference to your life. Here are some animal shelters and organizations in the province who can help you find a furever friend.
April 26, 2020 COVID-19 financial supports for permanent residents and citizens
A quick look at the financial aid available at the time of writing for citizens and permanent residents of Canada facing undue hardship because of the COVID-19 crisis.
April 19, 2020 The Importance of cultural diversity in the workplace
The advantages of a diverse workplace extend to management, employees, customers, and productivity.
April 12, 2020 Buying Your First Home in NL
Advice from a real estate agent on what to do (and avoid) when you are looking for a place to live.
April 5, 2020 Private Sponsorship of Refugees
Individuals and groups can sponsor some of the world’s most vulnerable people, and help them find new homes in Canada. Sonia explains the programs that help that happen.
March 29, 2020 Welcome to NL
An introduction to Sonia, her position, and advice on the first steps in settling here.