Moving to Canada is an exciting experience. It’s become a dream destination for many in recent years, thanks to its wide-open spaces, friendly people, progressive nature, and universal health coverage.
Unsurprisingly, this in-demand destination has stringent immigration policies and regulations. Here are the steps you should take to start your life in Canada.
Research the Visa Requirements
You will need a visa permit to live and work in Canada, and there are several options to choose from. Opting for the right one ultimately depends on your unique situation. For example, you can check Express Entry PR site to see if you have an in-demand trade that would expedite your timeline. There are also different visa options for entrepreneurs, students, and caregivers.
Take some time to research your eligibility and what visa would be best for your situation. This exercise will also help you determine what costs are involved and how much money you’re expected to have saved.
Research Potential Destinations
Canada is a huge country— the second largest by total size— despite having a low population density (37th highest population in the world). The majority of the population lives in the major cities of Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary.
Saying you’re moving to Canada is incredibly vague when you can drive for ten hours in one province without hitting a border. You’ll need to clarify where you’re moving to Canada before applying to immigrate. Take some time to research the ten provinces and three territories to see which climate and culture appeal to you. It’s also essential to understand the job markets and the cost of living in each area.
As a rule, cities with better job markets also have a higher cost of living. Canada also has a federal sales tax, as well as varying provincial taxation requirements to consider. If you plan on moving to the province of Quebec, you’ll also have extra immigration steps to navigate.
Finally, take the time to research the weather in each location. The different regions have dramatically different climates, some of which include both extreme, tropical summers and frigid, sub-zero winters.
Explore Job Opportunities
Unless you’re moving for a specific job, you’ll need to find work in Canada. You should get a better idea of the job market when researching your preferred destination. During this phase of the process, you should reach out and confirm if your education and skills transfer. Depending on your country of origin and trade, you may be required to complete a licensing exam to continue in your profession— nurses often face this barrier.
To secure a job, you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). To apply for a SIN, you’ll require the appropriate documentation with your visa to show your eligibility to work in Canada. Start this application process as soon as possible, as you’ll also need it to open a Canadian bank account.
Invest in International Health Insurance
Free healthcare is one of the big draws for moving to Canada. It’s important to understand that free healthcare isn’t really free. Canada has high taxation rates which pay for healthcare, so remember to factor taxes into your cost of living calculations.
Universal healthcare covers necessary procedures but doesn’t include dental, optometry, physiotherapy, or prescription drugs. As an immigrant, it could also take months for your healthcare coverage to kick in. Consider investing in international health insurance to cover you in the meantime.
Learn the Cultural Norms
Canada is a multicultural country with a large immigrant population and an overall welcoming attitude. However, familiarizing yourself with the cultural norms will make your transition easier. The Canadian people highly value politeness, expect a tipping in service positions, and yes, they apologize for everything.
Canada is the land of opportunity for people looking to start a new life in a beautiful, multicultural environment. Take your time navigating the immigration process and researching your destination to have the best possible experience.
