Elie, a trades professional from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, living as a refugee in Uganda, will be relocating to work at a construction firm in Vancouver, BC.

At 20 years old, Elie left his home in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and moved to Uganda, seeking safety and the chance to rebuild his life. Conflict and instability had forced him to make the difficult decision to leave everything behind, but Elie’s determination to succeed has carried him through challenges. Now, Elie is preparing for a new chapter in British Columbia, where he will work with a construction firm as a steel stud framer and drywaller. His story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation.

Life in Uganda: Struggles and determination

“Life in Uganda is not simple,” Elie reflects. Despite Uganda’s reputation as a refuge for those escaping conflict, the realities of daily life were far from easy. Elie faced significant challenges since arriving in 2019, especially when it came to earning a living. “To make money to survive, this is the problem,” he explains. To support himself, Elie found work with local construction companies, developing skills in steel stud framing and drywall installation.

While his work provided a means to live, the challenges of life as a refugee weighed heavily. With his loved ones spread across the globe, some still in the DRC, others in Burundi, and one brother already settled in Vancouver, Elie began to consider how he could join his brother in Canada.

Elie’s path to Canada began with his own initiative. “I had been doing some research on Canadian immigration and the economic pathways,” he explains. Although he felt hopeful, he wasn’t sure what to expect from the process. One website recommended TalentLift as a resource for those seeking economic routes to Canada, so he got to work on an application. Elie says he was impressed by how quickly TalentLift responded to his application. “Some people wait years to hear back about applications through other routes, but I heard back very quickly,” he says. TalentLift not only facilitated his connection with the employer, says Elie, but also guided him through the complexities of the immigration process, ensuring he felt supported every step of the way.

The construction firm, which is based in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, recognized Elie’s expertise in steel stud framing and drywall, a field in demand in Canada’s job market, especially in the greater Vancouver area where the construction industry is racing to keep up with housing demand. In his job offer, Elie saw a chance to continue honing his craft and reunite with his brother, while contributing to new and exciting construction projects in Canada.

Looking ahead: A future in Canada

Now, Elie is getting ready to make the move to Canada in the coming months, and is looking forward to living with his brother in Vancouver. He is optimistic about his new life in Canada and eager to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. “I would tell any refugee to apply,” he says, “TalentLift gave me hope. Now I know things are going to be okay for me.”

Like the 231 people who TalentLift has supported to come to Canada, Elie’s journey represents the power of connecting global talent with significant opportunities. TalentLift’s approach to opening economic pathways for refugees, combined with the support of companies, makes it possible for individuals like Elie to find security and contribute meaningfully in their new communities.

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Elie: Building a new life in Vancouver