It hurts to say bye to my daughter and fly to the U.S. But I can't find work as a doctor in Canada

This First Person piece is written by Syeda Qasim, who is a Pakistani-trained doctor and divides her time between the U.S and Canada. For more information about CBC’s First Person stories, please see the FAQ.

“Mama, when will we start living together again?” asks my six-year-old daughter as my husband drives us to the Billy Bishop Airport in downtown Toronto for my flight to New Jersey. 

“Soon, jaani,” I say to her, using an endearment in Urdu. “As soon as Mama’s training finishes.” 

We’re sitting in the backseat of the car and holding hands. I see my husband glance at my reflection through